Who painted Bust of a Young Peasant Girl in a Plaid Jacket?

Bust of a Young Peasant Girl in a Plaid Jacket was painted by Wilhelm Leibl in 1876.

Where can I see Bust of a Young Peasant Girl in a Plaid Jacket?

Bust of a Young Peasant Girl in a Plaid Jacket is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Bust of a Young Peasant Girl in a Plaid Jacket?

Bust of a Young Peasant Girl in a Plaid Jacket is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Bust of a Young Peasant Girl in a Plaid Jacket?

Museum-quality prints of Bust of a Young Peasant Girl in a Plaid Jacket are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Bust of a Young Peasant Girl in a Plaid Jacket

Wilhelm Leibl , 1876

Bust of a Young Peasant Girl in a Plaid Jacket is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Wilhelm Leibl. It dates from 1876 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Wilhelm Leibl’s etching titled *Bust of a Young Peasant Girl in a Plaid Jacket* dates from around 1876. Executed on wove paper, the work is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C. The image presents a solitary figure in a plain setting, allowing the viewer to focus on the subject’s expression and the texture of the clothing.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a youthful peasant girl, her head turned slightly away, a dark hat and a coarse plaid jacket framing her face. Her hand rests beneath her chin, lending a contemplative air. The stark background and the seriousness of her gaze suggest an interest in the dignity of ordinary rural life, a theme common in Leibb’s oeuvre.

Technique & Style

Leibl employed the etching process, incising fine, irregular lines into a metal plate that were then transferred to wove paper. The resulting marks resemble rapid sketches, yet they are deliberately arranged to model light and shadow across the fabric and facial features. This approach yields a textured surface that emphasizes the tactile quality of the jacket and the subtle modeling of the face.

History & Provenance

Since its creation in the mid‑1870s, the print has remained in the public domain, eventually entering the holdings of the National Gallery of Art in Washington. The museum’s acquisition records place the work within its broader collection of 19th‑century European prints, reflecting Leibb’s reputation as a realist artist of his time.