Doña Peppa Mattiocco 1886

"Doña Peppa Mattiocco" is a 1886 red chalk drawing by Australian artist John Peter Russell, currently on display at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne. This intimate portrait captures the profile of an elderly woman, her features rendered with careful detail and a sense of realism. The drawing showcases Russell's skill in capturing the subtle nuances of age and character, highlighting his early talent as a portraitist. This artwork is an example of Russell's early works created in the 19th century, using a traditional technique with the medium of red chalk on paper.