Girl
n.d.
Medium
Black and white chalk with stumping, on gray wove paper, laid down on board
Dimensions
24.1 × 18.4 cm (9 1/2 × 7 1/4 in.)
Classification
chalk
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
83162
Art Historical Context
William Mulready (1786–1863), an Irish-born British artist celebrated for his genre scenes and book illustrations, created this intimate chalk study of a young girl. Active during the Romantic and early Victorian periods, Mulready often focused on the innocence and everyday moments of childhood, themes that resonated with audiences of his time. Though undated, “Girl” exemplifies his sensitive approach to portraiture, likely serving as a preparatory drawing or independent sketch rather than a finished painting. The work’s medium—black and white chalk with stumping on gray wove paper—highlights...