Sada Yacco by Winifred Nicholson

Sada Yacco

Winifred Nicholson · 1901

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“This lithograph by Winifred Nicholson captures the renowned Japanese actress Sada Yacco with striking simplicity, using bold lines and a limited palette to create a powerful and elegant portrait.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

A striking portrait of Japanese actress Sada Yacco emerges from this lithograph, her profile rendered with a bold, almost graphic simplicity. Her dark hair is pulled back, revealing a delicate ear and a strong jawline, while her gaze, directed subtly downward, suggests a moment of introspection or perhaps a pose held for the artist. The limited color palette, primarily black, white, and a warm tan, emphasizes the contours of her face and the intricate patterns of her kimono, allowing the viewer to appreciate the elegance of the lines. This work, created in 1901 by Winifred Nicholson, captures the theatrical presence of a celebrated figure, transforming her into an iconic image through the medium of printmaking. The stark contrast and simplified forms lend the portrait a timeless quality, inviting a closer look at the details within its understated design.

DETAILS
Artist
Winifred Nicholson
Date
1901
Medium
Color lithograph on tan wove paper
Location
Art Institute of Chicago
Dimensions
Image: 25 × 23.5 cm (9 7/8 × 9 5/16 in.); Sheet: 27 × 26.1 cm (10 11/16 × 10 5/16 in.)
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Sada Yacco
01

The intricate floral pattern on Sada Yacco's kimono.

02

The delicate shading on her cheek and neck.

03

The subtle curve of her lips.

04

The way her hair is styled, revealing her ear.

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THE ARTIST

Winifred Nicholson

1893–1981 · United Kingdom

Winifred Nicholson, a British painter, captured the vibrant essence of still lifes and landscapes, often exploring the interplay of light and color.

Read Nicholson’s full story
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