Madame Helleu Cradling Paulette in Her Arms 1904 - 1905

Paul César Helleu sketched this image of Madame Helleu cradling Paulette with crayon and charcoal on paper. Look at the way the artist moves across the paper. The mark-making is free and full of air, which gives a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The charcoal is applied in a way that feels more like a caress than a line, giving the image a tender feeling, like a fleeting moment captured in a dream. Notice the way the artist uses the crayon to create a sense of depth and shadow. The lines are delicate, almost like whispers. The use of white chalk is very effective, it’s used to highlight the soft skin and the folds of her dress. The loose hatching on the fabric contrasts with the sensitive rendering of the face and hands. This piece reminds me of the work of Berthe Morisot, another artist who was interested in depicting the everyday lives of women. Like Morisot, Helleu captures a sense of fleeting beauty and quiet contemplation. Art is a conversation, an ongoing exchange of ideas and inspirations.