Tête de jeune fille (Head of a Young Girl)
Print on paper; specifically an etching and drypoint • Alberto Giacometti (Swiss, 1901–1966)
Style & Movement
Modernism / Post-War European Art (related to Existentialism)
Medium & Technique
Etching and drypoint on paper. The technique features dense cross-hatching and aggressive line work to create tone and volume, typical of the artist's intense graphic style.
Creation Period
Circa 1946-1949
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 15 x 10 cm (image size); Portrait format
Subject Description
A frontal portrait of a young woman, likely the artist's wife Annette or a recurring model. The image focuses on the psychological intensity of the gaze, using a web of lines to 'carve' the face out of the void, reflecting the artist's obsession with the perception of distance and the human presence.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paper shows characteristic toning (yellowing) consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $6,000 USD (depending on edition size and signature status)
Auction Estimate
$2,500 - $4,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a Parisian gallery or a mid-century print collection. Giacometti prints were often published by Maeght or in limited editions for art journals like 'Derrière le Miroir'.
Art Historical Significance
Giacometti is one of the most important artists of the 20th century. His graphic work is intrinsic to his sculptural practice; the 'searching' lines seen here represent his struggle to capture the essence of a living subject. This specific style of portraiture influenced the 'School of London' painters like Freud and Auerbach.
Notable Features
The plate mark is clearly visible, showing the pressure of the printing press. The heavy 'scribbled' technique in the hair and neck is a hallmark of Giacometti's restless, repetitive drafting style.
Condition Issues
Visible light-staining or 'mat burn' where the paper meets the frame, general oxidation/yellowing of the paper fibers, and potential minor foxing.
Conservation Recommendations
Remove from current acidic housing; remount using acid-free, archival museum-grade matting. Use UV-protective glass and keep away from direct sunlight to prevent further darkening of the paper.