Op de grond zittende dame 1705 - 1736

Jean Baptiste François Pater made this drawing of a woman sitting on the ground, with red chalk, some time in the 18th century. The sheet presents a study of a seated figure, where line and form take precedence over detailed representation. The composition, dominated by the figure, fills the frame, creating a sense of immediacy. The subject’s posture, with her back turned and head tilted, invites speculation. Pater's use of line is particularly striking. Energetic strokes define the contours of the woman's dress, contrasting with softer, smudged areas that suggest shadow and volume. The restricted use of red chalk on a neutral ground emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, creating a dynamic surface. Here, Pater seems to destabilize the conventional portrait, favouring instead a study of form and posture. This work operates within, yet slightly disrupts, the artistic conventions of its time. It’s a testament to the endless possibilities of interpretation that art offers.