Who painted Two Studies of a Woman Dressing?

Two Studies of a Woman Dressing was painted by Félix Vallotton in 1894.

Where can I see Two Studies of a Woman Dressing?

Two Studies of a Woman Dressing is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Two Studies of a Woman Dressing?

Two Studies of a Woman Dressing is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Two Studies of a Woman Dressing

Félix Vallotton , 1894

Two Studies of a Woman Dressing is a chalk drawing by the Impressionist artist Félix Vallotton. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1894, *Two Studies of a Woman Dressing* is a small drawing executed in gray‑green chalk. The work presents two separate studies of a single female figure engaged in the act of dressing, rendered with the restrained palette and clear line that characterize Vallotton’s early graphic output.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a limited chromatic range of gray‑green chalk, allowing tonal variations to suggest form and volume without resorting to coloristic effects.

The artist employed a limited chromatic range of gray‑green chalk, allowing tonal variations to suggest form and volume without resorting to coloristic effects. This approach reflects Vallotton’s preference for a detached, observational manner, echoing the precise draftsmanship of Holbein and the linear clarity of Ingres while anticipating the more pared‑down aesthetic he would pursue with Les Nabis.

Subject & Meaning

Both studies focus on a woman in the private moment of preparing her attire, a theme that invites contemplation of everyday intimacy. By depicting the same figure from slightly different angles, Vallotton emphasizes the physicality of the body and the subtle gestures involved in dressing, offering a quiet, almost clinical observation of a routine activity.

History & Provenance

The drawing originates from Vallotton’s productive period in the early 1890s, when he was transitioning from his earlier academic influences toward the simplified visual language of the Nabis group. Though specific ownership records are scarce, the piece aligns with his broader body of work from that decade, illustrating his evolving interest in graphic media and the study of the human form.

Artist & collection

Artist

Félix Vallotton

Félix Édouard Vallotton (French: ; December 28, 1865 – December 29, 1925) was a Swiss and French painter and printmaker associated with the group of artists known as Les Nabis.