Head of a young Breton, study for Pardon 1868

Jules Breton's "Head of a Young Breton, study for Pardon" (1868) is a study in oil on canvas for the larger painting "Pardon". This work is a portrait of a young woman wearing the traditional head covering and attire of a Breton peasant. The painting features a simple composition and a realistic, yet somewhat idealized, depiction of the subject. The loose brushwork and subtle color palette create a sense of intimacy and naturalism. This piece embodies Breton's artistic approach, known for his depictions of rural life and his focus on the beauty of the ordinary.