The Violinist c. 1880

"The Violinist" is a charcoal drawing by French Symbolist artist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, created around 1880. The work depicts a man in profile, his head bowed as he plays the violin. The drawing is characterized by its simplicity and the artist's signature use of subtle shading, which creates a sense of depth and volume. The composition is both intimate and evocative, capturing the musician's focus and the quiet beauty of the moment. Puvis de Chavannes was known for his large-scale murals, and "The Violinist" provides a glimpse into his masterful use of line and shadow even on a smaller scale.