Artwork

Studies of an Elderly Woman

Studies of an Elderly Woman, by Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr., gouache, 1880
Studies of an Elderly Woman, by Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr., gouache, 1880

Studies of an Elderly Woman is a gouache drawing by the Impressionist artist Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr.. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Studies of an Elderly Woman is a drawing created by Enoch Wood Perry Jr. around 1880, featuring multiple sketches of an older woman's face and upper body.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing comprises five loose sketches of an elderly woman, exploring different facial expressions and poses, possibly as a study for a more finished work.

Technique & Style

Rendered in graphite, charcoal, and gouache on gray paper, the sketches exhibit soft shading and subtle highlights, with a focus on capturing the subject's likeness through quick, expressive lines.

Context

The use of gouache, a water-based opaque paint, allows for layered colors and textured effects, suggesting the artist's interest in experimenting with this medium.

Artist & collection

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