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Head of a Woman

Art Appreciation

This exquisite etching captures the delicate profile of a woman lost in thought, her hand gently supporting her chin. The artist employs a striking contrast between the soft, fine lines used to detail her facial features and hair, and the dense, crosshatched background that frames her head like a shadowy halo. The composition balances precise realism in the face with looser, flowing lines in the arm and hair, evoking a sense of both intimacy and quiet contemplation. The monochromatic palette of black ink on paper heightens the emotional intensity, focusing the viewer’s attention on the woman’s serene yet introspective expression. This work reflects the late 19th to early 20th century’s fascination with capturing fleeting, intimate moments, and stands as a testament to the artist’s mastery of etching techniques and subtle tonal gradations.

Head of a Woman

Paul César Helleu

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Date unknown

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Dimensions:

4344 × 5645 px

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