Studie af draperet kvinde med barn i favnen, hvilende på højre arm 1907

This is a line drawing by Othon Friesz, currently residing at the SMK in Copenhagen. Executed with stark simplicity, the sketch captures a draped woman cradling a child. The thick, undulating lines define the figures, emphasizing the weight and form while abstracting the details. The composition, though minimal, evokes a sense of intimacy and maternal warmth. Friesz’s use of line is particularly striking; it is not merely descriptive but also expressive. The boldness of each stroke suggests a confidence and directness, steering clear of sentimentality. Instead, the drawing invites us to consider the essential structure and emotional core of the subject. The interplay between positive and negative space is also significant. The figures emerge from the blank page, their presence defined by the absence of line as much as by its presence. This formal strategy challenges our perception, urging us to see beyond the surface and engage with the underlying framework of representation. The sketch is not just an image but an encounter with the fundamental elements of art-making.