Dansend halfnaakte vrouw 1915

Armand Rassenfosse made this drawing, Dansend halfnaakte vrouw, in 1915 using what looks like chalk or pastel on paper. The softness of the materials lends itself well to the subject matter, a woman caught in a moment of movement. The palette is restricted, with a range of grays, creams, and whites against a warm, brown paper, which emphasizes the figure's ethereal quality. The texture is smooth, velvety even, created by the way the chalk is layered and blended. Look at the gentle gradation of tone on her back and shoulders. There’s a real sensitivity to the fall of light across her form. The lines are delicate and suggestive, allowing our imagination to fill in the details. This feels like a sister image to the work of Edgar Degas, not exactly the same, but kindred, sharing an interest in capturing fleeting moments of beauty and grace. Ultimately, the piece leaves you with a sense of wonder, lost in the mystery of the figure.