Artwork
Duel after the Masked Ball (recto); Head of a Woman (verso)

Duel after the Masked Ball (recto); Head of a Woman (verso) is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Thomas Couture. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This double-sided drawing by Thomas Couture, a French history painter, dates to around 1857. It features a dramatic scene on one side and a study of a woman's head on the other.
Subject & Meaning
The recto depicts two figures in a dynamic, possibly confrontational, scene following a masked ball. The verso presents a rapid sketch of a woman's face, focusing on her eyes and nose.
Technique & Style
Couture's drawing style is characterized by swift, expressive lines and varying degrees of detail. The recto shows a more developed scene with rough and smudged elements, while the verso is a loose, cursory study.
History & Provenance
As a prominent artist and teacher, Couture influenced notable pupils like Édouard Manet. His work contributed to the academic tradition in mid-19th-century French art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Couture (French pronunciation: ; 21 December 1815 – 30 March 1879) was a French history painter and teacher.















