Who painted Sketch of a Woman?

Sketch of a Woman was painted by Richard Parkes Bonington in 1828.

Where can I see Sketch of a Woman?

Sketch of a Woman is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Sketch of a Woman?

Sketch of a Woman is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Sketch of a Woman

Richard Parkes Bonington , 1828

Sketch of a Woman is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist Richard Parkes Bonington. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1828, this pen and brown‑ink drawing on wove paper captures a seated woman in a brief, spontaneous gesture.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1828, this pen and brown‑ink drawing on wove paper captures a seated woman in a brief, spontaneous gesture. The artist renders the figure with swift, flowing lines, emphasizing the play of light across the fur‑trimmed coat and the subtle contours of her face. Though the work is modest in scale, it exemplifies the artist’s skill in conveying atmosphere with minimal means.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a solitary female figure turned slightly away from the viewer, her posture relaxed as her hands rest on her lap or the arm of a chair. The inclusion of a simple cushion behind her head suggests an intimate interior setting, inviting contemplation of private moments rather than narrative drama.

Technique & Style

The drawing relies on cross‑hatching, a network of fine intersecting strokes that builds tonal depth and texture in the ink medium. These rapid, overlapping lines generate shadows on the coat, fur collar, and facial features, while the overall looseness of the marks conveys a sense of immediacy and fluidity characteristic of the artist’s approach.

History & Provenance

Executed by the English Romantic painter who spent much of his career in France, the work dates from the final year of his brief life. It stands apart from his more familiar coastal scenes, offering insight into his broader range of subjects during a period of intense artistic exchange between England and France.

Context

The piece reflects the early‑19th‑century fascination with capturing fleeting impressions and the influence of older master drawings, while also anticipating later developments in sketching practices. Its emphasis on light, atmosphere, and swift execution aligns with contemporary Romantic interests in emotion and the transitory nature of everyday life.