Who painted Portrait of a Young Woman in Profile?

Portrait of a Young Woman in Profile was painted by Luigi Conconi in 1884.

Where can I see Portrait of a Young Woman in Profile?

Portrait of a Young Woman in Profile is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Portrait of a Young Woman in Profile?

Portrait of a Young Woman in Profile is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Portrait of a Young Woman in Profile

Luigi Conconi , 1884

Portrait of a Young Woman in Profile is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Luigi Conconi. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Luigi Conconi’s *Portrait of a Young Woman in Profile* is an 1884 print that combines etching with a monotype wiping technique on heavy wove paper. The work depicts a solitary female figure viewed from the side, her head turned left, hair drawn back, and dressed in a dark, high‑necked gown.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter’s delicate features—a small nose, modest lips, and down‑cast eyes—convey a quiet, introspective mood. The profile pose and subdued expression suggest contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the inner life of the young woman rather than any narrative action.

Technique & Style

Conconi employed traditional line etching for the figure’s outline, then applied a monotype wiping to create soft tonal gradients across the background. This blend of precise drawing and atmospheric wash yields a subtle, impressionistic surface, with visible textures that enhance depth while preserving a gentle overall tone.

History & Provenance

Created around 1884, the print belongs to the later period of Conconi’s career, when he explored experimental print methods. It remains documented in several European print collections, though its exact ownership trail prior to the 20th‑century acquisitions is not fully recorded.

Context

The work reflects the broader 19th‑century interest in portraiture that emphasized psychological presence over elaborate setting. Conconi’s use of monotype wiping aligns with contemporary Impressionist experiments that sought to capture fleeting moods through nuanced tonal variation.