Ninette was painted by Paul Rajon in 1885.

Where can I see Ninette?

Ninette is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Ninette?

Ninette is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Ninette

Paul Rajon , 1885

Ninette is a print by the Impressionist artist Paul Rajon. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1885, "Ninette" is a print by French illustrator Paul Rajon in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work presents a solitary female figure rendered in a swift, gestural manner, emphasizing the play of light across her features while retaining a restrained, observational quality.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a woman shown in three‑quarter profile, her head turned slightly toward the viewer. She wears a loosely tied headscarf and a high‑necked dress, with a folded shawl resting on her chest. Her expression is calm, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation rather than narrative drama.

Technique & Style

Rajon employs rapid, economical strokes to outline the face and shoulders, allowing the ink’s darkness to define the contours of the eyes and jaw. Subtle shading creates a modest contrast between illuminated and shadowed areas, hinting at chiaroscuro without fully dramatizing the scene. The overall effect balances sketch‑like immediacy with a hint of realism.

History & Provenance

The print dates to the mid‑1880s, a period when Rajon was active in producing illustrations for books and periodicals. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition, though the precise path of ownership before its museum entry is not extensively documented.