Portrait of a Woman in a Red Beret, 1932 | ERIC PAPE (1879 - 1938)

An evocative charcoal, pastel and crayon portrait of a woman from the 1930s by the acclaimed American artist and illustrator, Eric Pape (1870 - 1938).

Pape's mastery captures not just the physical presence of his sitter but the essence of a bygone era. The delicate pastel strokes create an air of pre-war glamour and sophistication while amidst the soft muted palette, the red beret boldly declares its presence; like a bold punctuation mark -  a nod to a brave, new sense of individuality and flair.

Pape's career spanned several decades and he left a substantial legacy in the world of American art and illustration. His work remains highly regarded for its technical skill, narrative quality and ability to evoke emotion.  His works are held in many major galleries and collections globally.  In the UK, 5 of his portraits can be found in the National Portrait Gallery.