Artwork
Head of an Old Woman (Tête de vielle dame)

Head of an Old Woman (Tête de vielle dame) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Nicolas Toussaint Charlet. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Head of an Old Woman is a 1828 lithograph on chine appliqué by Nicolas-Toussaint Charlet, a French artist known for his work in painting and printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts an elderly woman's face, wrapped in a shawl, with a serious or tired expression. The subject diverges from Charlet's typical focus on military themes, instead showcasing his ability to capture detailed, expressive figures.
Technique & Style
The image was created using lithography, a process involving drawing directly on a smooth stone. The resulting print features rough, scratchy lines, giving it a sketchy appearance. The black-and-white work conveys a sense of immediacy and informality.
Artist & collection
Artist
Nicolas-Toussaint Charlet was a French painter and printmaker, more especially of military subjects.














