Artwork

Girl with Long Hair

Girl with Long Hair, by Edmond Aman-Jean, 1898
Girl with Long Hair, by Edmond Aman-Jean, 1898

Girl with Long Hair is a print by the Impressionist artist Edmond Aman-Jean. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Girl with Long Hair, created circa 1898 by French Symbolist painter Edmond François Aman-Jean, is a portrait characterized by expressive and symbolic elements typical of the period. The work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a young woman, is defined by her long, dark hair, which dominates the composition. A blurred face and serene, warm background contribute to an enigmatic, introspective atmosphere, emphasizing the symbolic over the literal.

Technique & Style

Bold brushstrokes capture the texture and flow of the hair, while a pink dress with a white collar and warm yellow background with swirling lines enhance the sense of movement and intimacy. The artist's use of chiaroscuro contributes to the depth and contemplative mood.

History & Provenance

Created in 1898, the painting reflects Aman-Jean's contribution to the Symbolist movement. Later, in 1923, he co-founded the Salon des Tuileries. The piece is now held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

Within the late 19th-century Symbolist context, the emphasis on the subject's hair and the dreamy, blurred facial features align with the movement's focus on suggestion and emotional depth over realism.

Legacy

While *Girl with Long Hair* exemplifies Symbolist principles, Aman-Jean's broader legacy is also marked by his role in founding the Salon des Tuileries, influencing the exhibition platform for modern artists.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Edmond Aman-Jean

Artist

Edmond Aman-Jean

Edmond Aman-Jean (13 November 1858, Chevry-Cossigny – 25 January 1936, Paris) was a French symbolist painter, who co-founded the Salon des Tuileries in 1923.

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