Young Woman with a Turbanc. 1780 · Study 1952.542

Context from the museum

Known as a tête d'expression or "expressive head," this painting represents an essential part of the academic training of history painters who specialized in religious, mythological, or historical subjects. In 1760, such exercises became standard at the École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts) in Paris, then known as Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture. Focusing on the relationship between morality and beauty, the goal of a history painter is not only to create a pleasing image, but also to represent the emotions of the soul.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

The high quality of this painting was of such renown that David’s students requested permission to copy it.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected unframed measurement for Young Woman with a Turban is 46 cm wide and 55.2 cm high, equivalent to approximately 18.1 × 21.7 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.83:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.25 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 15.3% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 127.0 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Young Woman with a Turban in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, oil on canvas, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 46 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?