Study for the portrait of Marie Daubrée Delessert 

This charcoal drawing by French artist Ernest Hébert, "Study for the portrait of Marie Daubrée Delessert," showcases the delicate touch of his hand. The subject, Marie Daubrée Delessert, is depicted in profile, her gaze lowered thoughtfully. The artist's attention to detail in rendering her features and the soft folds of her dress create a sense of intimacy and realism. Hébert, known for his portraits and historical paintings, uses this study as a preliminary exploration of his subject, capturing her likeness for a larger final portrait. This preparatory sketch exemplifies the artist's process of capturing the essence of his sitter.