Artwork

Young Woman with a Rose

Young Woman with a Rose, by Gilles Demarteau the Elder, chalk, 1776
Young Woman with a Rose, by Gilles Demarteau the Elder, chalk, 1776

Young Woman with a Rose is a chalk print by the Romanticist artist Gilles Demarteau the Elder. It dates from 1776 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Young Woman with a Rose is a print created by Gilles Demarteau the Elder around 1776, utilizing chalk manner printing in green, red, and black on specially prepared green paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene young woman with soft curls and a gentle smile, her attention focused on holding a rose in her right hand while her left hand lightly rests on a ledge, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation.

Technique & Style

Demarteau employed chiaroscuro to achieve a lifelike rendition of the subject's face, emphasizing the play of light and shadow, particularly on her cheeks and neck, against a plain background that accentuates her portrait.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1776, specific details regarding the print's history and ownership prior to its current status are not provided in the available information.

Context

The use of chiaroscuro and the focus on capturing subtle, natural expressions place this work within the broader artistic trends of the late 18th century, which valued realism and emotional depth in portraiture.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.