Young Woman with a Turban

Young Woman with a Turban is an oil on canvas painting created by Jacques-Louis David, the celebrated master of the French Neoclassical school. Executed between 1775 and 1785, the work captures a crucial period when David was refining the dramatic clarity and precision that would later define his grand historical compositions. This piece, rooted culturally in 18th-century France, showcases his significant skill in portraiture and character studies rather than the monumental history painting for which he is best known.

In this intimate portrait, David focuses intently on the sitter’s gaze and the texture of the fabric. The young woman is depicted wearing an elaborate, richly colored turban and turns her head slightly, meeting the viewer’s eye directly. Although the model’s identity remains unknown, the painting demonstrates David’s early technical mastery, particularly in his handling of light and shadow, foreshadowing the rigorous aesthetic of his mature period. While similar studies often served as academic exercises, the high degree of finish in this canvas suggests it was intended as a standalone work. Due to its historical significance and age, high-resolution prints of this piece are often made available through public domain art resources.

This significant painting is part of the esteemed collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it helps illustrate the transition from the fashionable frivolity of the Rococo era toward the rigorous idealism of Neoclassicism. The continued study of Young Woman with a Turban offers valuable insight into the private and preliminary side of David's artistic output before he fully dedicated his talents to state-sponsored commissions.