Study of Woman's Head
Classification
portraits
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1931-64-151
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Antoine Watteau, a French Rococo artist (1684–1721), *Study of Woman's Head* 1720–30, near the end of his short but influential career. Watteau pioneered the *fête galante*, depicting elegant outdoor gatherings with a dreamlike intimacy, but this intimate portrait study reveals his skill in capturing human emotion and grace on a smaller scale. As one of his late works, it exemplifies the Rococo emphasis on delicate beauty, soft lighting, and psychological depth, bridging his vibrant scenes and personal sketches. Classified as a portrait, this piece likely served as a preparatory study for a l...