Two Seated Women Drying Their Hair In Front Of A Fire

Guercino (1591 – 1666)

In this work, astonishingly modern in effect, Guercino reveals himself as an intimate observer of everyday life. He also demonstrates his exceptional compositional skills, lending monumentality to the two voluminous figures leaning forward to dry their long hair. The use of wash is particularly admirable: the saturated brush describes the dense and sodden locks, whilst the tips are rendered in dryer brush strokes, and the warm air drifting up from the fire is captured with light touches.

Guercino(1591 – 1666), Two seated women drying their hair in front of a fire, 1635 (circa), © The Samuel Courtauld Trust, The Courtauld Gallery, London