La Rostiche. Marché des Enfants-Rouges, en 1907. 3ème arrondissement 1907

Frédéric Houbron drew "La Rostiche. Marché des Enfants-Rouges" in 1907 in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, with what looks like charcoal or graphite. The hatching and cross-hatching create a sense of depth and movement, like a flurry of activity caught in a moment. It makes me think about how much art is really just about layering marks. The drawing has this incredible texture. The vertical lines create a wooden structure that contrasts with the rounded forms of the people and makes a wonderful overall rhythm. I love how Houbron captured the hustle and bustle of the market using these loose, expressive marks. Notice the way the lines vary in thickness and direction to suggest the folds of fabric, the contours of bodies, and the play of light and shadow. This piece reminds me a little of Daumier, who also captured scenes of everyday life in Paris. Ultimately, it is through the process of drawing that the artist connects with the world.