Artwork
Le solitaire

Le solitaire is an ink print by the Impressionist artist B.-A. Neuburger. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Le solitaire is a lithograph created by B.-A. Neuburger in 1895, rendered in brown-black ink on heavy Japan paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a solitary woman engaged in a quiet, intimate moment: seated on a couch, brushing her long, loose hair with the aid of a small hand mirror. Her simple, flowing dress and the sparse, dimly lit surroundings—accentuated by a vase with a few flowers in the background—emphasize the serene and contemplative nature of the scene.
Technique & Style
Characterized by quick, expressive lines, the lithograph captures the dynamic textures of hair and fabric, imbuing the scene with a sense of movement. This sketchy, spontaneous technique was a hallmark of late 19th-century artistic practices.
History & Provenance
Created in 1895, the lithograph's provenance and exhibition history are not detailed in available information, focusing instead on its technical and thematic aspects.
Context
Le solitaire reflects the artistic tendencies of its time, particularly in its use of lithography—a technique allowing for smooth, layered lines—to convey everyday, intimate moments with immediacy and depth.
Legacy
While specific influences or subsequent impacts of Le solitaire on broader artistic movements are not highlighted, it remains a representative example of late 19th-century lithographic art, emphasizing quiet domesticity and expressive line work.












