Artwork
Profile of a Young Woman
Profile of a Young Woman is a drawing by Auguste Renoir. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1910, this drawing by Pierre‑Auguste Renoir presents the side view of a young woman. The work is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art and exemplifies Renoir’s later interest in intimate portraiture rendered with restrained tonal values.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is shown in profile, her hair gathered back and a high‑necked white shirt framing her neck. The composition’s quiet pose and subdued expression suggest a moment of private contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the personal interiority of the figure.
Technique & Style
Renoir employs a limited palette of soft reddish‑brown tones, applying delicate shading to model the face and shoulders. Gentle, flowing lines define the features without harsh contrast, creating a sense of tenderness and atmospheric softness characteristic of his late drawing practice.
History & Provenance
The drawing entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings in the early 20th century, though the precise acquisition details remain modestly documented. It stands as one of the few works from Renoir’s final decade that focus solely on a single, unadorned portrait.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pierre-Auguste Renoir was born on 25 February 1841 in Limoges, the son of a tailor and a seamstress.
