Artwork

Young Woman at an Easel

Young Woman at an Easel, by Henri-Charles Guérard, 1890
Young Woman at an Easel, by Henri-Charles Guérard, 1890

Young Woman at an Easel is a print by the Impressionist artist Henri-Charles Guérard. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Young Woman at an Easel is a print by Henri Guérard, created from an original painting by his wife, Eva Gonzalès. The work depicts a young woman, identified as Gonzalès' sister Jeanne, engaged in painting a still life.

Subject & Meaning

The print portrays Jeanne Gonzalès standing at an easel, brush in hand, in a dimly lit room. Light falls on her face and the canvas, highlighting her activity as an artist.

Technique & Style

Guérard employed etching techniques to recreate Gonzalès' painting, achieving soft, nuanced lines that evoke a sense of delicacy. The use of sfumato, a technique that blurs edges, contributes to the overall mood of the image.

History & Provenance

The print is one of several etchings Guérard made based on his wife's paintings after her death in childbirth at a young age. By reinterpreting her work, Guérard helped preserve her artistic legacy.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henri-Charles Guérard

Artist

Henri-Charles Guérard

Henri Charles Guérard (26 April 1846, Paris - 24 March 1897, Paris) was a French painter and printmaker, particularly in etching and lithography.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.