Artwork
Woman Standing Holding a Jar on the Head
Woman Standing Holding a Jar on the Head is an ink print by the Baroque artist John Baptist Jackson. It dates from 1731 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Woman Standing Holding a Jar on the Head is a chiaroscuro woodcut created by John Baptist Jackson in 1731. Printed from two blocks in yellow and black on laid paper, it showcases Jackson's expertise in woodcut printing.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a standing woman balancing a jar on her head, dressed in a flowing robe with her face turned to the right. Her pose conveys elegance and poise, while the subtle background texture adds depth to the image.
Technique & Style
Jackson employed innovative techniques, including subtle overprinting and heavy embossing, to achieve a chiaroscuro style that emphasizes tonal contrast. His work often adapted oil paintings into print form, reflecting his broader practice of reproducing painted compositions.
History & Provenance
John Baptist Jackson, a British printmaker active in the 18th century, worked in Paris and Venice, influencing his style and techniques. This print is a product of his experimentation with chiaroscuro woodcuts.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Baptist Jackson (1701–1780) was a British artist, a woodcut printmaker of the eighteenth century.
![The Marriage at Cana [left plate], by John Baptist Jackson](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/john-baptist-jackson--the-marriage-at-cana-left-plate--22bae83d46cc40b5-w320.webp)
