Who painted Reverie: Young Woman Sitting by the Sea?

Reverie: Young Woman Sitting by the Sea was painted by Alexandre Lunois in 1890.

Where can I see Reverie: Young Woman Sitting by the Sea?

Reverie: Young Woman Sitting by the Sea is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Reverie: Young Woman Sitting by the Sea?

Reverie: Young Woman Sitting by the Sea is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Reverie: Young Woman Sitting by the Sea

Alexandre Lunois , 1890

Reverie: Young Woman Sitting by the Sea is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Alexandre Lunois. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created around 1890, this lithographic print portrays a young woman seated on a shoreline, gazing out over the sea.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1890, this lithographic print portrays a young woman seated on a shoreline, gazing out over the sea. Rendered on wove paper, the composition balances figure and landscape, inviting contemplation of the quiet moment. The work is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C., and exemplifies the artist’s interest in atmospheric scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, clothed in a flowing dress and hat, appears absorbed in thought, suggesting an inner reverie prompted by the expansive water. The distant horizon and faint silhouettes of boats reinforce a sense of solitude and introspection, allowing viewers to share in the contemplative mood evoked by the sea’s calm presence.

Technique & Style

Executed as a lithograph, the image relies on the medium’s capacity for delicate tonal variation. Soft, muted hues are achieved through careful manipulation of the stone surface, producing a gentle gradation of light and shadow. The overall aesthetic aligns with late‑19th‑century Impressionist tendencies toward fleeting impressions and atmospheric effects.

History & Provenance

Attributed to French artist Alexandre Lunois, the print dates to the early 1890s, a period when lithography was increasingly employed for fine‑art purposes. It entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s print and drawing collection.