Profile of a Woman

Art Historical Context

**Profile of a Woman** by Théodore Roussel created around 1900–1905, captures the elegant silhouette of its subject in a intimate drypoint print on laid paper. Measuring just 16 × 11.8 cm, this small-scale work exemplifies Roussel's mastery of printmaking during the early 20th century, a period when artists like him revitalized etching traditions amid the rise of modern movements. French-born but based in London, Roussel drew inspiration from James McNeill Whistler, favoring subtle tones and refined compositions that evoke quiet introspection. Drypoint, Roussel's chosen medium, involves scratching directly into a metal plate with a sharp tool, raising a soft burr that produces rich, velvety lines and tonal depth—ideal for conveying the delicate curve of a profile. Printed on laid paper, with its textured chain lines visible, the work gains a tactile authenticity, highlighting the print's handcrafted nature. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosenwald Collection, it reflects the era's appreciation for technical virtuosity in prints as accessible art forms. This piece invites visitors to appreciate the artistry in simplicity: a single figure rendered with precision, bridging 19th-century Aestheticism and emerging modernism. A gem for print enthusiasts, it showcases how Roussel transformed everyday portraiture into poetic elegance.