Artwork
A Fashionable Young Woman Seen from Behind
A Fashionable Young Woman Seen from Behind is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist Carl Wilhelm Kolbe. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Carl Wilhelm Kolbe’s 1802 drawing, titled *A Fashionable Young Woman Seen from Behind*, presents a solitary figure rendered in black chalk on laid paper. The composition captures the back of a young woman, emphasizing her attire and posture without revealing her facial features.
Subject & Meaning
The work focuses on the silhouette of a fashionable lady, suggesting an interest in contemporary dress and societal roles of women in the early nineteenth century. By depicting her from behind, Kolbe invites viewers to contemplate the private versus public aspects of femininity.
Technique & Style
Executed with black chalk, the drawing exploits the medium’s capacity for delicate shading and fine line work. The laid paper surface contributes a subtle texture, enhancing the tonal variations and allowing the artist to model the folds of clothing with nuanced gradations.
History & Provenance
Created in 1802, the drawing is attributed to German artist Carl Wilhelm Kolbe, known for his drawings and engravings. Details of its ownership history are not documented in the available records, and its current location remains unspecified.
Artist & collection
