Head of Young Woman, Resting on Hand

John Bradley Storrs

Created:
Movement:
1928
key Notes:
Cubist portraiture, contemplative expression
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Dimensions:
32.4 × 25.1 cm (12 13/16 × 9 15/16 in.)
medium:
Graphite on off-white wove paper
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Head of Young Woman, Resting on Hand" is a work by American artist John Bradley Storrs, who was active from 1885 to 1956. The painting exemplifies Storrs' interest in the human form and his exploration of modernist aesthetics. The date of creation remains unspecified, but it is consistent with Storrs' oeuvre during the early to mid-20th century. Storrs is known for his ability to blend traditional portraiture with modernist techniques, often emphasizing form and abstraction. This particular work reflects his engagement with the psychological depth of his subjects, as well as his skill in capturing the subtleties of expression. Storrs' contributions to American art include a focus on both painting and sculpture, and he is recognized for his role in the development of modernist themes in the United States. The painting is part of a broader exploration of identity and representation in Storrs' body of work.

Description of the work:

"Head of Young Woman, Resting on Hand" by John Bradley Storrs is a graphite drawing executed on off-white wove paper. The composition features a young woman depicted in profile, her head resting on her right hand, which is positioned against her cheek. The artist employs a delicate line quality to render the facial features, emphasizing the contours of the jawline and the curve of the neck. The hair is illustrated with flowing lines, suggesting movement and texture, while the expression conveys a sense of introspection. The use of shading creates depth, particularly around the eyes and the areas of the face that are turned away from the light source. The overall tonal range is subtle, with soft transitions between light and shadow, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the subject. The drawing exemplifies Storrs' skill in capturing the nuances of human expression through a minimalist yet effective approach to form and line.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Head of Young Woman, Resting on Hand