#29930 Ismael Smith

Here we observe a drawing depicting a woman in what appears to be a theatrical costume or formal attire. The figure is positioned centrally within the frame and rendered with a loose, sketch-like quality, suggesting a preparatory study rather than a finished work. The artist employed a graphite medium on paper, utilizing varying degrees of pressure to create tonal contrasts and delineate form.
The woman’s posture conveys an air of poised confidence; her shoulders are squared, and her head is held high. One arm hangs loosely at her side, while the other is bent at the elbow, hand resting near her waist – a gesture that could be interpreted as either contemplative or subtly assertive. The clothing consists of what seems to be a flowing robe or gown with wide sleeves and a draped bodice. The fabric appears lightweight and possibly translucent, indicated by the delicate rendering of folds and shadows. A small hat sits atop her head, partially obscuring her hairline.
The face is characterized by sharp angles – prominent cheekbones, a strong jawline, and dark, defined eyebrows. Her gaze is directed forward with an expression that is difficult to definitively read; it could be interpreted as either aloofness or quiet determination. The artist has paid particular attention to the rendering of the eyes, which contribute significantly to the overall impression of character.
Subtly, the drawing hints at a shift in societal norms and aesthetics. The woman’s attire and hairstyle suggest a departure from more traditional forms, aligning with early 20th-century trends towards modernity and liberation. The simplicity of the composition and the lack of background detail focus attention entirely on the figure, emphasizing her individuality and presence. The sketchs unfinished quality lends an intimacy to the work, as if capturing a fleeting moment or a preliminary idea for a larger design. The signature in the lower right corner indicates authorship and provides a temporal anchor within the early 1920s.