Who painted Head of a Woman?

Head of a Woman was painted by Thomas Melhuis Strudwick in 1866.

Where can I see Head of a Woman?

Head of a Woman is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Head of a Woman?

Head of a Woman is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Head of a Woman

Thomas Melhuis Strudwick , 1866

Head of a Woman is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Thomas Melhuis Strudwick. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Thomas Melhuish Strudwick’s drawing titled Head of a Woman dates from 1866. Executed in graphite on wove paper, the work measures a modest size and presents a single, partially rendered female head turned slightly away from the viewer.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures a woman’s profile with her hair gathered back, revealing the contours of her eyes, nose and mouth. The minimal treatment suggests an emphasis on fleeting expression rather than narrative detail, inviting contemplation of the sitter’s inner state.

Technique & Style

Strudwick employed a light, economical graphite line that leaves much of the paper untouched, creating a sense of immediacy. This approach aligns with Romantic-era drawing practices, where the artist’s spontaneous gesture and emotional resonance were prioritized over meticulous finish.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑nineteenth century, the drawing reflects Strudwick’s early engagement with Romantic aesthetics. Its provenance remains limited to private collections, with no record of exhibition beyond occasional scholarly references to the artist’s oeuvre.