Artwork
Mona
Mona is a print by Anders Zorn. It dates from 1911 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Anders Zorn’s 1911 print titled “Mona” presents a half‑length portrait of a seated woman. Rendered against an unadorned backdrop, the composition focuses on the sitter’s face, headscarf, dark top and clasped hands, offering a quiet, intimate view that invites close observation.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts an unnamed female figure, identified only by the title “Mona.” Her modest attire and the gentle positioning of her hands suggest a contemplative or modest demeanor, while the subtle expression on her face conveys a sense of personal presence without overt narrative.
Technique & Style
Zorn employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, balancing strong light and deep shadow to model the forms and give the portrait a three‑dimensional quality. The print’s fine line work and tonal gradations capture delicate facial features and textile textures, emphasizing volume within the limited palette of the medium.
History & Provenance
Created in 1911, the print entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on public display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s broader commitment to representing early twentieth‑century European printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Anders Leonard Zorn was born in February 1860 in Mora, Dalarna, the illegitimate son of a Bavarian brewer and a Swedish farmer's daughter; his mother died shortly after his birth, and his grandparents raised him.
