Head of a Woman n.d.

Anders Zorn created this drawing, Head of a Woman, using graphite on paper. The composition immediately draws your eye to the face, rendered with a striking directness. The texture of the graphite creates a soft, almost velvety effect, contrasting with the sharp, decisive lines that define the woman's features. Zorn's use of line is particularly interesting. Notice how he uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up the form, creating a sense of depth and volume with a minimal tonal range. The sketch-like quality lends a sense of immediacy, as if capturing a fleeting moment. Consider the interplay between light and shadow, a fundamental aspect of Zorn's technique. The strategic use of shading not only models the face but also evokes a certain mood, an intimate and contemplative atmosphere. In this way, Zorn pushes the boundaries of representation, inviting us to contemplate the nature of portraiture itself.