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Portrait of a woman, her head turned to the right, wearing an earring

1770–72
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Portrait of a woman, her head turned to the right, wearing an earring
  • Artist: Joseph Wright (Wright of Derby) (British, Derby 1734–1797 Derby)
  • Date: 1770–72
  • Medium: Pastel on blue laid paper
  • Dimensions: sheet: 15 7/8 x 11 in. (40.3 x 28 cm)
  • Classification: Drawings
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 2007
  • Object Number: 2007.40
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

More Artwork
Virgil's Tomb by Moonlight, with Silius Italicus Declaiming, Joseph Wright (Wright of Derby) British, Oil on canvas
Virgil's Tomb by Moonlight, with Silius Italicus Declaiming
Joseph Wright (Wright of Derby)
1779
"Royal George" Cello, William Forster British, Spruce, maple, ebony, British
"Royal George" Cello
William Forster
1782
Sunset, Eugène Delacroix French, Pastel on blue laid paper
Sunset
Eugène Delacroix
ca. 1850
Smaller Italian sketchbook (containing 43 drawings on 44 leaves), Joseph Wright (Wright of Derby) British, Graphite, pen and ink, brush and gray and yellow wash or watercolor
Smaller Italian sketchbook (containing 43 drawings on 44 leaves)
Joseph Wright (Wright of Derby)
1774–75
Alto Recorder, Joseph Bradbury British, Wood, ivory, British
Alto Recorder
Joseph Bradbury
ca. 1700

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