Head of a Young Woman
Medium
black chalk heightened with white on brown wove paper
Dimensions
overall: 55.9 x 36.6 cm (22 x 14 7/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of William B. O'Neal
Accession Number
1995.52.193
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
George Frederic Watts, a leading Victorian artist known for his evocative portraits and allegorical works, created "Head of a Young Woman" in the 1860s. This intimate drawing captures the delicate features and quiet presence of its subject with remarkable sensitivity, reflecting the period's fascination with beauty, emotion, and human character. As a study or finished work on paper, it offers insight into Watts' approach to rendering form and expression during a prolific phase of his career. The medium of black chalk heightened with white on brown wove paper is particularly effective here, al...