Artwork

Head of a Woman

Head of a Woman, by Paul César Helleu, 1900
Head of a Woman, by Paul César Helleu, 1900

Head of a Woman is a print by the Impressionist artist Paul César Helleu. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Head of a Woman is a 1900 print by Paul César Helleu, a French artist known for his portraits of high-society women. The work is a drypoint drawing that showcases the artist's skill in capturing elegance and refinement.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman's face in profile, with loose curls and a high-necked dress. The subject's gentle features and refined attire evoke the elegance of the Belle Époque era.

Technique & Style

Helleu's use of soft, sketchy lines and varying shading creates a loose, expressive effect characteristic of Impressionism. The focus on capturing the flow of the subject's hair and the curve of her neck demonstrates the artist's attention to detail and commitment to conveying a sense of movement and fluidity.

History & Provenance

The print is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Paul César Helleu

Artist

Paul César Helleu

Paul César Helleu (17 December 1859 – 23 March 1927) was a French oil painter, pastel artist, drypoint etcher, and designer, best known for his numerous portraits of beautiful society women of the Belle Époque.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.