Seated Woman

(1851-1938)

Size: 14 3/4 x 11 1/2 inches (37.5 x 29.2 cm)
Medium: Pastel
Signed and numbered lower right: T.W. Dewing / 105
Why We Love It

“Gossamer” is the best term to describe Dewing’s ethereal and mystical works. Never has an artist created so much from so little. Upon close examination of his paintings and most particularly his pastels, one sees that he has woven an amazing vignette with just a few small strokes. Like a Chopin prelude, these works are deceptively simple. Elegant, spare and perfect.

The Value

Dewing is acknowledged to have been one of America’s leading tonalist artists. He was an important figure in the Aesthetic Movement and, despite the fact that he cannot be categorized as in impressionist, he was a member of The Ten. This major work perfectly exemplifies the qualities that made him a leading artist of his time.