Artwork
A Young Girl Looking Upward
A Young Girl Looking Upward is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze. It dates from 1778 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A Young Girl Looking Upward is a red chalk drawing on laid paper, created by French artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze circa 1778. The work features a solitary figure of a young girl.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing portrays a young girl with a gentle expression, her gaze directed upward. The subject's emotional state is conveyed through subtle, expressive facial rendering.
Technique & Style
Greuze employed red chalk to achieve soft, expressive lines, particularly in the girl's facial features. Looser lines suggest the subject's clothing, emphasizing the artist's focus on capturing emotion over intricate detail.
History & Provenance
Created around 1778, the drawing reflects Greuze's characteristic approach to portrait and genre subjects during this period. Provenance details are not specified.
Context
This work aligns with Greuze's broader oeuvre, which includes portraits, genre scenes, and history paintings, often marked by attention to expressive detail and emotional nuance.
Legacy
While specific legacy details for this drawing are not provided, it contributes to Greuze's reputation for capturing subtle human emotions through precise yet simple drawing techniques.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Baptiste Greuze (French pronunciation: , 21 August 1725 – 4 March 1805) was a French painter of portraits, genre scenes, and history painting.
