The artwork entitled “Head of a Woman” was created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the year 1896. Executed in oil on cardboard, this piece is representative of the Post-Impressionist movement and is categorized within the genre of sketch and study. Toulouse-Lautrec’s works are characterized by their bold and expressive strokes, a trait that is clearly evident in this artwork.
“Head of a Woman” portrays the expressive countenance of a female subject, her gaze slightly averted. The brushstrokes are fluid, giving life and movement to the piece, yet they retain a sketch-like quality, almost evoking a sense of impermanence or an unfinished moment. The ochre hues of the cardboard serve as both a background and a complexion tone for the woman, while white and blue strokes highlight her features and adorn her face and hair. Her neck is elegantly elongated, characterized by swift, dark outlines that confer a sense of fragility and grace. The essence of the artwork lies not only in its portrayal of the woman’s physical features but also in the emotive energy that Toulouse-Lautrec conveys through his gestural technique.
