Portrait of a Woman 1908

This is Albert Belleroche's "Portrait of a Woman," a drawing made with a soft, powdery material, likely charcoal or pastel, on a sheet of paper. Notice how Belleroche uses broad, expressive strokes to define the form, especially in the woman's hair and the background. There is a contrast between the areas of detailed rendering, like the face, and the more loosely defined areas. The face is softly modeled, creating a gentle play of light and shadow that draws us in. The averted gaze and relaxed posture give a sense of intimacy. The composition is asymmetrically balanced, with the figure slightly off-center. The dark background emphasizes the woman, while the use of chiaroscuro – strong contrasts between light and dark – adds depth and volume. This artwork is a study in tonal values, demonstrating the artist’s skill in capturing the subtle nuances of light and shadow to create an atmosphere of quiet contemplation.