Studienblatt_ Bildnis der Comtesse G., und eine Wiederholung ihrer Mundpartie 

Wilhelm Trübner rendered this study of Comtesse G. with delicate graphite lines on paper. The composition is fragmented, featuring a profile view at the top, a detail of her mouth, and a full frontal sketch below. Trübner’s strategic use of line is more than representational. The vertical strokes delineating the Comtesse’s striped dress create a visual rhythm that flattens the pictorial space, emphasizing the surface of the drawing. This technique engages with the semiotic function of the line itself, operating not just as contour but as a signifier of form and depth. The isolated study of the mouth is particularly intriguing, it underscores a fascination with specific details and their potential to encapsulate broader meaning. Consider how Trübner destabilizes the traditional portrait format, shifting the focus from a cohesive representation to an exploration of form and technique. This drawing prompts us to reflect on the processes of artistic study, and representation.