The Nun

Eugène Zak

Associated Names
Eugène Zak

Artist, Polish, 1884 - 1926

The painting depicts the upper body of a person shown from the waist up. The person is positioned slightly hunched forward, with a gentle bend at the waist, their face tilted downwards and their eyes directed down. Their facial features are painted in a stylized manner with a yellowish tone, and they appear to have delicate, elongated features, with closed eyes and a serene expression. The individual has long hair that appears to be tucked under a covering. They are dressed in a modest, loose-fitting green garment covered by a gray cloak with a hood that drapes over their head and shoulders. In their hands, they are holding a red book. The background is composed of rich dark shades of purple and maroon, with an abstract texture that contrasts with the figure's lighter clothing, enhancing the central focus on the figure.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    oil on canvas

  • Credit Line

    Chester Dale Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 99.7 x 79.5 cm (39 1/4 x 31 5/16 in.)
    framed: 116.2 x 96.5 cm (45 3/4 x 38 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1964.19.10


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Galerie Zak, Paris); purchased by (Durand-Ruel et Cie, Paris); sold January 1929 to Chester Dale [1883-1962], New York; his estate; bequest 1964 to NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1931

  • A Group of Twentieth Century Paintings from the Chester Dale Collection, Department of Fine Arts, Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, 1931, no. 14

Bibliography

1931

  • Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 7 May 1931:7, repro.

1985

  • European Paintings: An Illustrated Catalogue. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1985: 441, repro.

Inscriptions

upper right: Eug. Zak

Wikidata ID

Q20189697

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