Study of the Head of an Old Woman 1772 - 1775

Jean-Baptiste Greuze sketched 'Study of the Head of an Old Woman' using sanguine, a red chalk, to capture a sense of both frailty and inner strength. Notice the expressive lines that define the woman's face. Greuze uses hatching and cross-hatching to model her features, giving depth to the wrinkles and contours. The sanguine medium lends a warmth to the skin, yet the somber expression and downcast eyes evoke a sense of melancholy. The composition centres on her face, drawing us into an intimate encounter with old age. Her hands, clasped in what appears to be prayer, add to the emotional weight. This study challenges the typical Rococo celebration of youth and beauty. Instead, Greuze directs our gaze towards the dignity of aging, prompting us to question conventional aesthetic values. The artist uses form to open up a deeper discourse on mortality and compassion. The tension created between form and content gives it its enduring appeal.