Artwork
Charlotte Corday
Charlotte Corday is a paint print by the Baroque artist French 18th Century. It dates from 1740 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The work titled "Charlotte Corday" is a print executed in a color‑wash manner on laid paper. It presents a solitary female figure framed within a circular border, set against a dark, indistinct background that suggests a window or shelf. The composition is intimate, focusing on the sitter’s calm expression and restrained posture.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a woman in a plain white dress and a tall, vertically striped hat, her hair neatly pulled back. She rests a hand on her chin, a pose that conveys contemplation. While the identity is not explicitly stated, the title links the image to the historical figure Charlotte Corday, inviting associations with her quiet resolve.
Technique & Style
The artist employed a color‑wash approach, layering translucent pigments to achieve soft tonal transitions. Subtle chiaroscuro modeling creates depth, with light shaping the facial features against the deep background. The use of laid paper provides a textured surface that enhances the delicate shading and the overall muted palette.
Context
Printed in a period when portraiture often served both documentary and symbolic purposes, the work reflects the 19th‑century interest in historical personalities rendered with a restrained aesthetic. The circular frame and simplified setting align with contemporary trends toward focusing attention on the individual rather than elaborate surroundings.
Artist & collection
Artist
This artist worked in late 18th-century France, making portrait paintings and etched prints.
