Artwork
Yes or No
Yes or No is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Jean-Michel the Younger Moreau. It dates from 1778 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The artist used soft red chalk and graphite to create smooth shading, with white highlights to make the fabric look rich.
This drawing shows a woman sitting in a relaxed pose, dressed in a fancy 18th-century outfit. Her gown is light pink with ruffles and embroidery, and she wears a big white bow in her hair. The background is plain and blurry, keeping all the focus on her.
The artist used soft red chalk and graphite to create smooth shading, with white highlights to make the fabric look rich. The date "1778" is signed in the corner, showing this was made over 200 years ago.
Next, check out the National Gallery of Art, Washington to see more works like this.
Overview
Created in 1778, “Yes or No” is a drawing by the French artist Jean‑Michel Moreau le Jeune. Executed on laid paper, the work combines graphite, red chalk, and white highlights to render a solitary female figure. The composition is intimate, with a plain, indistinct background that directs attention to the sitter’s attire and pose.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a woman seated in a relaxed posture, dressed in an elaborate eighteenth‑century costume. Her gown, rendered in soft pink tones, features ruffles and delicate embroidery, while a prominent white bow adorns her hair. The subdued setting and the title’s binary question invite contemplation of the sitter’s inner deliberation or social role.
Technique & Style
Moreau employs a layered approach, beginning with graphite for structural outlines, then building volume with red chalk. Subtle gradations of tone create a smooth, velvety texture, while strategic applications of white chalk accentuate the sheen of silk and lace. The overall effect is a refined chiaroscuro that emphasizes material richness without relying on elaborate background detail.
History & Provenance
The work bears the artist’s signature and the date “1778” in the lower corner, confirming its creation during the late Rococo period. Though specific ownership records are limited, the drawing is now part of the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where it is displayed alongside other examples of French drawing from the era.
Artist & collection
