Head of a Woman Looking Back Over Her Shoulder

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: nn Before you stands "Head of a Woman Looking Back Over Her Shoulder," a captivating drawing by the renowned 18th-century French artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze. This intimate portrait, rendered in rich red chalk on beige paper, showcases Greuze's exceptional talent for capturing the nuances of human expression. nn The woman, depicted from the chest up, turns her head to gaze over her left shoulder, her eyes subtly lifted. Her gaze draws us in, inviting us to ponder her thoughts. Her hair, swept up in a simple yet elegant style, frames a face full of quiet emotion. The play of light and shadow across her features adds a sense of depth and realism, highlighting Greuze's mastery of his chosen medium. nn Greuze was celebrated in his time for his genre paintings and portraits, often imbued with a sense of moral virtue and sentimental narrative. This drawing, while lacking the context of a larger scene, still speaks volumes through the woman's enigmatic expression and the artist's masterful hand. nn "Head of a Woman Looking Back Over Her Shoulder" is a testament to Greuze's enduring legacy as a master draftsman and keen observer of human nature. The drawing, part of the National Gallery of Art's esteemed collection, offers us a glimpse into the artist's process and his ability to convey emotion and depth with remarkable economy.