Study of an Old Woman 1886

"Study of an Old Woman" is a graphite drawing by German artist August Xaver Karl von Pettenkofen, created in 1886. The drawing is a simple but expressive portrait of an elderly woman, her face showing the signs of a life well lived. Pettenkofen's work is known for its realism and sensitivity, and this drawing is no exception. The artist's skillful use of graphite conveys the texture of the woman's skin and the folds of her clothing with remarkable detail. The drawing is currently held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.