Seated Woman with a Parasol (study for La Grande Jatte)

A woman sits, her back to us, holding a parasol, her head turned slightly to the right. This contemplative drawing is a study for the central figure in one of the Art Institute’s most famous paintings, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte — 1884. Here, the artist uses Conté crayon to explore the figure’s expressive contours, defining her form with soft, yet deliberate lines against the blank paper. The medium allows for subtle gradations of tone, creating a sense of volume and presence. This study focuses solely on the figure, separating her from the bustling park scene she would eventually inhabit, allowing for a deep consideration of her posture and the delicate curve of her parasol. It offers a rare glimpse into the meticulous process behind a monumental work.