Dameportræt 1856 - 1909

This is Emil Villumsen's "Dameportræt", a black and white drawing. The portrait, contained within a neat rectangle, strikes a balance between ornate detail and stark simplicity. Villumsen's technique is characterized by fine, controlled lines. He uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up areas of tone, which give the figure a sense of volume and presence. Look closely to see how the texture of the fabrics is created through variations in line density and direction. The artist plays with contrasts, opposing light and shadow to create depth and drama. The woman's ornate dress, with its decorative floral patterns, contrasts sharply with the dark, uniform background. The image's formal structure offers a glimpse into how the artist understood and represented the subject through a delicate balance of form and composition.