Artwork Page for Young Woman with a Turban

Details / Information for Young Woman with a Turban

Young Woman with a Turban

c. 1780

Jacques-Louis David

(French, 1748–1825)
Culture
France, 18th century
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
Framed: 76 x 66 x 8 cm (29 15/16 x 26 x 3 1/8 in.); Unframed: 55.2 x 46 cm (21 3/4 x 18 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of George S. Kendrick 1952.542
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
216B French and German
Print
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Did You Know?

The high quality of this painting was of such renown that David’s students requested permission to copy it.

Description

Known as a tête d'expression or "expressive head," this painting represents an essential part of the academic training of history painters who specialized in religious, mythological, or historical subjects. In 1760, such exercises became standard at the École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts) in Paris, then known as Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture. Focusing on the relationship between morality and beauty, the goal of a history painter is not only to create a pleasing image, but also to represent the emotions of the soul.
Vertically oriented oil painting depicting a woman with light skin tone from the shoulders up, facing our right, looking up and out of the painting. A white turban wraps around her hair, wavy, dark blonde hair escaping the front. She wears dark grey robes that merge with the grey background. She has a pointed nose, slightly pink cheeks, and lips slightly parted. Brushstrokes layer to create smooth shades, streaks of the brush only finely visible.

Young Woman with a Turban

c. 1780

Jacques-Louis David

(French, 1748–1825)
France, 18th century

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