'An African Lady' 1782

"An African Lady" is a 1782 red chalk drawing by François Guillaume Ménageot, a French artist known for his portraits and historical paintings. The drawing depicts an African woman wearing a head covering, with a pearl necklace visible around her neck. The work is housed at the Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen, Denmark, showcasing the European fascination with and portrayal of people of African descent during this era. This small-scale piece, measuring just 259mm in height and 184mm in width, is an example of Ménageot's ability to create a compelling portrait with delicate and precise lines.