Who painted Head of a woman?

Head of a woman was painted by Maksymilian Gierymski in 1870.

Where can I see Head of a woman?

Head of a woman is held by National Museum in Warsaw.

What movement is Head of a woman?

Head of a woman is associated with Realism.

Artwork

Head of a woman

Maksymilian Gierymski , 1870

Head of a woman is an unspecified painting by the Realist artist Maksymilian Gierymski. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1870, *Head of a Woman* is a small-scale oil portrait by Polish artist Maksymilian Gierymski. Executed during his Munich period, the work exemplifies the realist approach that dominated his early career. The painting is part of the National Museum in Warsaw’s collection, where it is displayed among other 19th‑century Polish works.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas presents a solitary female figure, shown from the shoulders upward. Her gaze is directed slightly leftward, suggesting introspection. The subject’s hair is neatly gathered, and she wears a high‑necked white garment accented by a prominent circular brooch, elements that convey modesty and a restrained elegance.

Technique & Style

Gierymski employs a muted, dark background that isolates the sitter, allowing subtle tonal variations to model her features. The handling of light and shadow—an understated chiaroscuro—creates a three‑dimensional impression of the face and neck, while the brushwork remains tight and controlled, reflecting the realist emphasis on accurate observation.

History & Provenance

After receiving a government scholarship in 1867, Gierymski studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, where he produced this portrait. Though best known for watercolors and military scenes, this work demonstrates his versatility in portraiture. It entered the National Museum in Warsaw’s holdings in the early 20th century, where it remains part of the permanent collection.