LOLA MONTEZ

DeNiro, Robert Sr. (1922-1993)

Ink and Wash on Paper

Unknown

X1965.06.01

A very simple portrait of Lola Montez (modern burlesque queen of San Francisco and early mining camps circa 1850's -- see documents file). Done in contour and thin ink wash, the subject stands torso turned away in a grey shirt of thin, broad wash. Her hands are draped over an object while she faces forward, gaze distant, looking off toward the upper left corner of the drawing. Arms, chest and head are gone over in a dark, direct line that adds definition. A portion of this line around the chin and neck has been overpainted to open the figure up. This portrait is more clearly defined than other DeNiro's that employ expressionistic, gestural brushwork.