Artwork
Head of a Woman (Mme. Deshayes?)
Head of a Woman (Mme. Deshayes?) is a print by the Romanticist artist Louis-Marin Bonnet. It dates from 1771 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Head of a Woman (Mme.
About this work
Overview
Head of a Woman (Mme. Deshayes?) is a print by Bonnet, featuring a portrait of a young woman with dark curls and a white lace cap. The work is characterized by its use of layered ink on paper to achieve a painterly effect.
Technique & Style
The print was created using three separate printing plates, with black, blue, and red inks applied in succession to produce a rich, nuanced image. The technique required precise alignment to achieve the desired coloration, and the resulting chiaroscuro effect adds depth to the portrait.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of the portrait is believed to be a young woman, possibly Jean-Elisabeth Victoire, the daughter of Boucher, who married Jean-Baptiste Henri Deshays, one of Boucher's pupils. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her identity, the portrait conveys a sense of intimacy and quiet contemplation.
Artist & collection
