Who painted Head of a Young Woman?

Head of a Young Woman was painted by Seth Wells Cheney.

Where can I see Head of a Young Woman?

Head of a Young Woman is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Head of a Young Woman?

Head of a Young Woman is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Head of a Young Woman

Seth Wells Cheney

Head of a Young Woman is a charcoal drawing by the Romanticist artist Seth Wells Cheney. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Head of a Young Woman is a charcoal drawing on wove paper, enhanced with white chalk, executed by American artist Seth Wells Cheney in 1847. The work presents a portrait‑like study of a woman’s head and shoulders, rendered in a restrained palette and composed against an unadorned, uniformly toned background.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is depicted with her hair gathered into a smooth bun and dressed in a simple, high‑necked garment, suggesting modesty and domestic poise. The calm expression and softened facial modeling convey a sense of quiet introspection, typical of mid‑nineteenth‑century portraiture that emphasized personal virtue over overt narrative.

Technique & Style

Cheney employs charcoal for the primary modeling, applying delicate, graduated shading to render the contours of the face. White chalk is used sparingly to highlight areas of light, creating a subtle contrast that enhances the three‑dimensional effect. The drawing balances loose, gestural lines with controlled rendering, giving it a sketch‑like yet finished appearance.

History & Provenance

Created in 1847, the drawing reflects Cheney’s early practice before he turned to illustration and photography. While specific ownership records are limited, the work has been cited in catalogues of Cheney’s oeuvre as an example of his skill in figure drawing during the formative years of his career.