Old Woman with Arms Outstretched 1756

Jean-Baptiste Greuze made this drawing, "Old Woman with Arms Outstretched," using graphite or black chalk on paper. The soft, tonal modelling gives the figure volume, enhanced by a limited range of sepia hues that evoke a feeling of gentle melancholy. Greuze masterfully uses line and shading to capture the woman's weary posture, drawing attention to the expressive gesture of her outstretched arms. This compositional arrangement directs our attention not only to the form but to the implied narrative content, inviting questions about the woman's story. Her slightly tilted head and intense gaze contribute to a sense of human connection. The sketch's composition and execution suggest a study of human emotion and social observation, rather than just aesthetic display. The piece functions as a narrative fragment, inviting viewers to contemplate the broader implications of age, poverty, and the human condition.