Artwork

Bust of a Woman

Bust of a Woman, by Johann Heinrich Schönfeld, ink, 1626
Bust of a Woman, by Johann Heinrich Schönfeld, ink, 1626

Bust of a Woman is an ink print by the Baroque artist Johann Heinrich Schönfeld. It dates from 1626 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Bust of a Woman is a 1626 etching on laid paper by Johann Heinrich Schönfeld, currently part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a woman's head, slightly averted, with her hair pulled back and covered by a hat. The subject's expression and intent are subtly conveyed through loose, expressive lines and textured hatching.

Technique & Style

Schönfeld employed etching techniques to create depth and shadows, with ink residing in carved lines. The loose hatching on the woman's face and hat adds a tactile quality, while the aged paper's imperfections (spots, brown stains) contribute to the work's textured appearance.

History & Provenance

Created in 1626, the etching is now housed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, though its ownership history prior to acquisition is not detailed here.

Context

The work reflects common 17th-century printmaking practices, where etching was a prevalent method for achieving detailed, shaded images. The loose style may also hint at the artist's draftsmanship approach.

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.