Who painted Head of a Young Woman?

Head of a Young Woman was painted by George Frederic Watts in 1864.

Where can I see Head of a Young Woman?

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

What movement is Head of a Young Woman?

Head of a Young Woman is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Head of a Young Woman

George Frederic Watts , 1864

Head of a Young Woman is a chalk drawing by the Impressionist artist George Frederic Watts. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

George Frederic Watts produced the drawing Head of a Young Woman around 1864. Executed in black chalk heightened with white on brown wove paper, the work measures the delicate contours of a female head turned slightly away, emphasizing the smoothness of the neck and the subtle play of light across the face.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a young woman whose hair is gathered back, with a few stray strands framing her cheek. The pose, with the head inclined away from the viewer, suggests introspection or quiet contemplation, inviting attention to the serene expression and the gentle curvature of the neck.

Technique & Style

Watts employed only black and white chalk on a brown ground, leaving the surrounding paper unmarked. The drawing relies on soft, yet precise lines to delineate facial features, while darker shading beneath the chin and around the eyes creates a modest chiaroscuro effect that models the form without overt detail.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑nineteenth century, the piece reflects Watts’s interest in portraiture and his skill in drawing. While specific ownership records are limited, the work remains attributed to Watts and is catalogued among his drawings from the 1860s, illustrating his practice of using limited media to explore the human visage.