Portret- en figuurstudies van vrouwen 1869 - 1923

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this drawing, "Portret- en figuurstudies van vrouwen," with graphite. The composition appears at first glance as a collection of fragmented sketches, yet a closer look reveals an underlying structure. Steinlen meticulously arranges numerous faces and figures, capturing various angles and expressions. The dominance of line, rendered in graphite, creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy. These quick, assured lines delineate the contours of the faces and figures, showcasing Steinlen's adeptness at capturing likeness and form. This structured arrangement invites us to consider the relationship between the parts and the whole, challenging the traditional notion of a unified, singular portrait. The artwork disrupts fixed meanings and engages with new ways of thinking about representation, questioning the stability of identity. This tension between structure and fluidity epitomizes the formal qualities.