Artwork

Malresl Working in the Kitchen

Malresl Working in the Kitchen, by Wilhelm Leibl, graphite
Malresl Working in the Kitchen, by Wilhelm Leibl, graphite

Malresl Working in the Kitchen is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Wilhelm Leibl. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Wilhelm Leibl's 'Malresl Working in the Kitchen' is a graphite drawing on polished wove paper, created around 1898.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts Therese Haltmeier, known as Malresl, in a kitchen setting. The subject is shown with his face turned towards the viewer, hands clasped together, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation.

Technique & Style

Leibl employed graphite with stumping and erasures to achieve a nuanced, textured effect. The contrast between shaded and unshaded areas creates depth, while the polished paper surface adds to the overall subtlety of the work.

Context

This drawing relates to the broader artistic interest in everyday life and domesticity, a theme explored by artists associated with the Impressionism movement.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Wilhelm Leibl

Artist

Wilhelm Leibl

Wilhelm Leibl (1874–1880) was an artist.

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