Artwork
Sketch of a Woman
Sketch of a Woman is a pastel painting by the Impressionist artist Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1888, *Sketch of a Woman* is a pastel work on canvas by French artist Jean‑Louis Forain. Known for his involvement with the Impressionist circle, Forain produced the piece during a prolific period in which he explored a range of media, from oil and watercolor to printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a solitary female figure with long brown hair gathered atop her head, dressed in a dark top. The portrait captures her upper body and face with a gentle, softened rendering, suggesting an intimate, informal study rather than a formal commission.
Technique & Style
Executed in pastel, the work demonstrates the medium’s capacity for delicate tonal shifts and a loose, expressive handling. The painter’s approach aligns with the post‑Impressionist tendency toward fluid brushwork and an emphasis on atmospheric effect over precise detail.
History & Provenance
Forain, who achieved notable commercial success during his lifetime, produced this piece alongside his ventures in etching and lithography. While specific ownership records for this particular pastel are limited, it remains representative of his broader output in the late 1880s.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Louis Forain (French pronunciation: ; 23 October 1852 – 11 July 1931) was a French Impressionist painter and printmaker, working in media including oils, watercolour, pastel, etching and lithograph.
