Portrait de Micheline 1939

This is Henri Matisse's drawing of Micheline, made in 1939 using graphite. Look how the rhythmic lines create a sense of movement and depth on a flat surface. I wonder what Matisse was thinking as he drew each line? He manages to capture not just her likeness but also her essence. Her essence is in the shape of the eyes, the curve of her lips, and the graceful flow of her hair, which looks like creamy waves. The way the light falls on her face, creating soft shadows and highlights, shows how a simple line can convey so much emotion and nuance. I'm struck by the economy of line, how Matisse uses just a few strokes to suggest the folds of her dress or the texture of her pearls. There's a sense of calm, it invites us to pause and contemplate the simple beauty of the moment. Matisse once said that drawing is like taking a line for a walk. I’d say that's true!