Melancholy 1907

Albert Belleroche made this drawing of Melancholy with a soft, grainy crayon. It's all about atmosphere; the marks are built up, layer upon layer. You can almost feel the artist searching for the form, letting the process guide the image. There’s such sensitivity in the way the lines define her face. See how the delicate strokes around her eyes and mouth suggest a subtle downturn, perfectly capturing that feeling of melancholy? The overall effect is kind of hazy, like a memory or a fleeting emotion. It reminds me of some of Degas' pastels. Ultimately, this piece is a reminder that art isn’t just about capturing a likeness, it’s about capturing a mood, a feeling, a moment in time. Belleroche invites us to contemplate the complexities of human emotion and the beauty that can be found even in moments of sadness.