Who painted Portrait of an Old Woman?

Portrait of an Old Woman was painted by Eastman Johnson in 1844.

Where can I see Portrait of an Old Woman?

Portrait of an Old Woman is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Portrait of an Old Woman?

Portrait of an Old Woman is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Portrait of an Old Woman

Eastman Johnson , 1844

Portrait of an Old Woman is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Eastman Johnson. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of an Old Woman is a drawing executed around 1844 by American artist Easton Johnson. Rendered on green wove paper, the work combines black crayon and graphite, with selective areas highlighted in white to model the figure’s features.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents an elderly female sitter, her aged visage captured with a focus on texture and expression. The artist’s treatment emphasizes the dignity and humanity of the subject, inviting contemplation of age and individual character.

Technique & Style

Johnson employed a mixture of black crayon and graphite to build tonal depth, while applying white highlights to accentuate light on the face and clothing. The use of green wove paper provides a subtle tonal ground that influences the overall mood of the drawing.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1844, the drawing belongs to the early period of Johnson’s career, preceding his later fame as a genre painter. Details of its ownership trail are limited, but it remains documented within collections of 19th‑century American drawings.

Artist & collection

Artist

Eastman Johnson

Jonathan Eastman Johnson (July 29, 1824 – April 5, 1906) was an American painter and co-founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, with his name inscribed at its entrance.