Study for portrait of unknown woman 

This pastel portrait by Maurice Quentin de La Tour depicts an unknown woman in a simple, elegant pose. La Tour is known for his mastery of pastel, creating remarkably lifelike portraits. This study, likely a preparatory work for a larger portrait, captures the woman's delicate features and soft expression with a subtle realism that was characteristic of his style. The pastel medium contributes to a soft, luminous quality, highlighting the subject's skin tones and the delicate textures of her dress.