At the Piano, Agathe Valéry-Rouart c. 1916

Ernest Rouart's charcoal drawing "At the Piano, Agathe Valéry-Rouart" (c. 1916) depicts the artist's wife playing the piano. The composition is intimate and focused, with the subject's back turned to the viewer. The loose strokes and shading create a sense of movement and energy, capturing the fleeting moment of musical performance. Rouart's use of charcoal creates a striking contrast between light and shadow, enhancing the sense of depth and volume. The drawing is a testament to the artist's intimate knowledge of his subject and his skill in rendering her form with sensitivity and grace.