Artwork

Study of a woman's head

Study of a woman's head, by Edward T. Davis, 1857
Study of a woman's head, by Edward T. Davis, 1857

Study of a woman's head is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Edward T. Davis. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This drawing, titled 'Study of a woman's head', is a work on paper created in 1857 by Edward T. Davis. It is a representational study of a woman's face.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman with her head turned away, her face partially obscured by a loose cloth or hood. Her downcast eyes and calm yet tired expression convey a sense of serenity.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a range of gray and white tones, using quick, sketchy lines to capture the subject. Crisscrossed lines, particularly in the cloth and hair, create texture and depth through a technique known as cross-hatching, giving the drawing a three-dimensional appearance.

History & Provenance

The drawing is part of the collection of the artist's brother, indicating a familial connection to the work.

Artist & collection

Artist

Edward T. Davis

Edward T. Davis made pencil and watercolor studies in the mid-1800s, capturing quiet moments and places as they appeared. His Study of a woman's head (1857) shows careful linework on paper, while Woodland Scene (mid…