#43932 Bernard Cathelin (1919-2004)

Here we see a portrait-like drawing executed in black ink on white paper. The subject is a woman depicted from the upper torso upwards, facing forward with a slightly downward gaze. Her features are rendered with a delicate and somewhat melancholic expression; the eyes appear large and introspective, contributing to an overall sense of quiet contemplation.
The artist employed a loose, gestural style. Lines are not consistently defined but rather suggest form through varying thickness and density. The hair is elaborately styled, pulled back from the face and arranged in a complex updo, rendered with quick, swirling strokes that convey texture and volume. A dark garment drapes over her shoulders, its edges blurred and indistinct, contributing to the drawings ethereal quality.
The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the subject’s height and creating a sense of formality. The background remains largely unadorned, allowing focus to remain on the woman herself. There is an intentional lack of detail in certain areas, particularly within the clothing and hair, which suggests a prioritization of capturing essence over precise representation.
The drawings simplicity and understated elegance evoke a feeling of intimacy and vulnerability. The artist’s choice of monochrome palette reinforces this sense of quiet introspection, allowing for a focus on form, line, and expression rather than color or vibrancy. The signature at the bottom right corner adds a personal touch, grounding the image within a specific artistic context.