Artwork

Smiling Woman Reclining on a Sofa (Femme souriant etendue sur un canape)

Smiling Woman Reclining on a Sofa (Femme souriant etendue sur un canape) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Norbert Goeneutte. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Smiling Woman Reclining on a Sofa is a drypoint print created by Norbert Goeneutte in 1874. It is a representative work of the artist, a French painter, etcher, and illustrator associated with the Realist movement.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman in a relaxed pose on a sofa, her face turned towards the viewer. Her eyes are not rendered, giving her expression a sense of ambiguity. The scene conveys a quiet, intimate mood.

Technique & Style

Goeneutte employed the drypoint technique to achieve a sketchy, textured effect. Quick, scratchy lines were used to render the subject's dress and the sofa, creating a sense of roughness and informality. Overlapping lines suggest the texture of fabrics without detailing them.

Context

As a contributor to the Realist movement, Goeneutte's work was characterized by detailed and expressive representations. His involvement in illustrating Émile Zola's novel La Terre further underscores his connection to Realist ideals.