The White Hat

The White Hat from around 1780 is one of Greuze's most celebrated expressive heads, depicting a young woman whose coquettish sideways glance and fashionable white hat create an image of appealing charm. The painting exemplifies the type of work that sustained Greuze's income and reputation throughout his later career. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays theatrically posed figures, expressive faces registering emotion with unsubtle directness, a palette ranging from Rococo pastels in early works to colder, more sober tones after the Revolution.

The white hat provides a brilliant highlight against the darker background, framing the face and drawing attention to the luminous skin painted with Greuze's characteristic glazing technique.