Artwork

Women and Nuns Seated in Church

Women and Nuns Seated in Church, by Gwen John, gouache, 1927
Women and Nuns Seated in Church, by Gwen John, gouache, 1927

Women and Nuns Seated in Church is a gouache drawing by the Impressionist artist Gwen John. It dates from 1927 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The painting is called Women and Nuns Seated in Church.
It was made by Gwen John between 1915 and 1920, but the exact date is unclear, with some sources saying it was completed between 1925 and 1929.
The painting is held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, and to learn more about similar works, look up the movement: Realism.

Overview

Women and Nuns Seated in Church is a gouache drawing by Gwen John, a Welsh artist active primarily in France. The work, dated to between 1915 and 1929, depicts a group of seated figures in a church.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing shows women and nuns seated in a church, rendered in a subdued color palette characteristic of John's style. The subjects are anonymous, a common trait in John's portraits, which often feature female sitters in muted tones.

Technique & Style

John's use of gouache and her subdued palette contribute to the work's introspective atmosphere. The drawing is associated with the Realist movement, known for its focus on everyday life and unidealized representation.

History & Provenance

The drawing is now held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington. Its exact date is unclear, with sources varying between 1915-1920 and 1925-1929.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Gwen John

Artist

Gwen John

Gwendolen "Gwen" Mary John (22 June 1876 – 18 September 1939) was a Welsh artist who worked in France for most of her career.

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