“Study of a Young Girl’s Head” is an artwork created by the artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau between 1860 and circa 1870. Belonging to the Academicism art movement, this sketch and study measures 45.7 x 38.74 cm and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork features a young girl, depicted in a pensive and introspective pose. Her head is slightly turned to her left, and she gazes downward with a soft and serene expression. The composition focuses closely on her head and the upper portion of her shoulders, highlighting the delicate rendering of her facial features and flowing dark hair. The background consists of a muted and warm hue, which complements the natural tones of her complexion. The interplay of light and shadow across the girl’s face emphasizes Bouguereau’s masterful technique in capturing the subtleties of human expression and form. Detailed outlines of additional study sketches can be discerned faintly around the primary depiction, underscoring the work’s nature as a study piece. This artwork exudes a sense of tranquil beauty and meticulous craftsmanship characteristic of Bouguereau’s oeuvre.
