#29923 Ismael Smith

The drawing presents a stylized depiction of a woman and a dog within a lightly sketched rectangular frame. The composition is dominated by the figure of the woman, who occupies most of the vertical space. She stands in profile, her body elongated and rendered with flowing lines that suggest movement or a theatrical pose. Her attire appears elaborate; a feathered headdress adorns her head, while a fur stole drapes over her shoulders, contrasting with what seems to be a dark, possibly beaded, garment at her waist. The artist has emphasized the curve of her back and the line of her legs, contributing to an overall impression of elegance and grace.
Below the woman, positioned in the lower left quadrant, is a small bulldog. It stands alertly, its gaze directed towards the viewer, seemingly observing the woman’s posture. The dogs form is simplified, yet retains recognizable canine features.
The drawing utilizes a limited tonal range, primarily relying on variations in line weight to define shapes and suggest volume. A delicate hatching technique is employed to create subtle shading effects, particularly around the woman’s face and upper body. This contributes to a sense of refinement and sophistication. The background remains largely unrendered, with only faint lines indicating the edges of the frame.
Subtly, theres an interplay between the human and animal figures. The dogs grounded presence contrasts with the woman’s elevated posture, potentially hinting at themes of companionship or a playful dynamic between different social spheres. The overall effect is one of refined leisure and perhaps a glimpse into a world of performance or high society, conveyed through simplified forms and elegant lines. The inscription in the lower right corner – PARIS 1918 – provides temporal context, suggesting a possible connection to post-war Parisian culture and its associated artistic trends.