Studie van een vrouw die tennis of badminton speelt 1848 - 1927

August Allebé captured this fleeting sketch of a woman playing tennis or badminton with graphite on paper. The immediate impression is one of movement, an ephemeral moment frozen through the artist's quick strokes. Notice how the figure is rendered with a light hand; lines are sparse yet suggestive, effectively communicating posture and action. The dress, indicated by a series of flowing strokes, implies both volume and motion, while the racket is more solidly defined, providing a focal point for the composition. The structural interplay between these defined and implied forms creates an interesting visual tension, drawing our eye across the image. Allebé's handling of space is equally intriguing. The background is virtually nonexistent, pushing the figure forward and emphasizing her presence. This minimalist approach reflects an interest in reducing form to its essential components, inviting us to consider how line alone can convey a sense of dynamism and presence. This work challenges our perception, asking how much information is needed to evoke a complete picture.