Artwork
Head of a Woman Looking Back Over Her Shoulder
Head of a Woman Looking Back Over Her Shoulder is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze. It dates from 1765 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1765 drawing by Jean-Baptiste Greuze is a red chalk study on laid paper, capturing a woman's profile as she glances over her shoulder.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a woman with her hair pulled back, loose curls framing her neck, turning to meet someone's gaze behind her. Her expression and posture convey a sense of engagement or surprise.
Technique & Style
Greuze employed red chalk to achieve a warm, soft tone, using delicate lines to render the woman's face and loose, quick strokes for her dress. The textured paper adds to the drawing's expressive quality.
History & Provenance
Created in 1765 by French artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze, known for his portraits, genre scenes, and history paintings, this drawing exemplifies his skill in capturing human emotion.
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.
