Studies of a Young Woman

• Adolph Menzel (1815–1905)
• 1870 or 1879
• Graphite on paper
• Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
• (1975.1.869)

Adolph Menzel, renowned for his realism and keen powers of observation, was the leading German artist of the nineteenth century. Deeply inspired by three trips to Paris, he began to focus on scenes of everyday urban life. Drawing always played a central role in his work. In this sheet, Menzel closely studied a woman’s facial features and expressions, depicting them in three ways: an enlarged view of her left eye, a profile illuminated by bright light, and a three-quarter view in shadow.