Artwork
The Pearl Necklace
The Pearl Necklace is an ink print by Timothy Cole. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Timothy Cole’s 1916 wood engraving titled The Pearl Necklace presents a monochrome study of a woman seated at a table. Rendered on tissue paper affixed to a heavyweight support, the image captures the figure as she adjusts a string of pearls, set against a minimal backdrop that suggests a dark wall and a solitary chair.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on an intimate, domestic moment: a woman in a high‑necked, ruffled‑sleeve dress attends to her jewelry. The act of arranging the pearls conveys a quiet ritual of personal adornment, emphasizing themes of femininity, self‑presentation, and the private sphere of everyday life.
Technique & Style
Cole employed fine, parallel lines to carve the image into wood, producing subtle gradations of tone that model form and texture. The engraving’s delicate cross‑hatching creates soft shadows on the dress and skin, while the crisp edges delineate the pearls, achieving a detailed yet restrained visual effect characteristic of early‑20th‑century reproductive printmaking.
History & Provenance
Created in 1916, The Pearl Necklace is a close‑up excerpt from a larger original work, reproduced by Cole through his signature wood‑engraving process. The print was mounted on heavyweight paper to enhance durability, a common practice for collectors of the period. Its provenance traces back to Cole’s studio, where he produced numerous engravings after European paintings.
Artist & collection
