Schetsen van personen, waaronder een vrouwelijk naakt 1842 - 1883

This is a sketch of figures, including a female nude, by Gustave Doré, created in ink on paper. The composition is divided, presenting distinct thematic areas. On the left, we see an atmospheric landscape, rendered in soft, diluted washes. The right side features groupings of figures, their forms described with delicate, spidery lines. The limited palette of grey ink emphasizes the formal qualities of line and tone. Doré's handling of the ink reveals a fascination with the expressive potential of the medium itself. The sketches are imbued with a sense of provisionality, a quality that invites the viewer to engage with the artistic process. By destabilizing traditional notions of finish and completeness, Doré challenges the viewer's expectations, opening up a space for interpretation. This provisionality becomes a space of possibility.