Studie af kvindeansigt 1775 - 1779

This is Louise-Rosalie Hémery's 'Studie af kvindeansigt', a red chalk drawing currently held at the SMK in Copenhagen. At first glance, one is struck by the interplay of light and shadow, carefully sculpted by Hémery's hand. The subject, a woman, gazes downward, her face partially veiled by a draped cloth, creating an air of introspection. The drawing’s visual structure invites us to consider the artist's technique and the semiotic function of the veil. It serves not only to conceal but also to reveal, prompting viewers to contemplate the hidden aspects of identity and representation. The use of red chalk provides a warm, subtle tone that enhances the soft texture of the skin and fabric. Hémery masterfully employs hatching and cross-hatching to build up tonal variations, giving the figure a three-dimensional presence on a two-dimensional plane. It's an exquisite example of how formal elements can evoke complex emotional and intellectual responses.