Michel Dumas (French, 1812–1885)
Portrait of a Woman
Graphite on paper, 9 3/4 x 7 1/4 in.
Gift of DeCourcy E. McIntosh
2003.29

Though far better known for his religious compositions, Dumas in fact produced numerous portraits throughout his career. He showed several of these works at the Salon, including a portrait of a Cometesse de G. in 1845, a Comtesse A. de G.-B. in 1866, and, at his last Salon showing ever, a portrait of Mme L, in 1879. The sitter for the present work is unknown, and while we can discern that she is a young woman from her placid face, the drawing offers scant details of clothing or jewelry that might suggest her station or identity.