Portrait of a woman, her head turned to the right, wearing an earring
Joseph Wright (Wright of Derby) British
Not on view
One of the most inventive artists of his generation, Wright sent striking night images of contemporary subjects to London from his home in Derby. This drawing belongs to a group of pastel and chalk head studies he made before departing for Italy in 1773. While the work demonstrates a masterful ability to capture a likeness, it has not been linked to a known sitter. Indeed, the open-necked gown and averted gaze suggest a character head rather than a portrait. Delicacy of touch and astonishing control of grisaille pastel allowed the artist to depict subtle transitions of light and varying textures. Careful finish is married to an impression of arrested movement, with strong raking light conveying a palpable sense of physical presence.
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