#07706 Umberto Boccioni (1882-1916)

Here we observe a drawing executed in monochrome, likely graphite or charcoal on paper. The composition is dominated by a standing female figure positioned slightly off-center to the left. She wears traditional attire – a voluminous white bonnet, a high-necked blouse with delicate lace detailing, and a long skirt with a contrasting darker panel at the lower edge. In her arms, she carries a cluster of flowers, their forms rendered with loose, expressive strokes.
The figure’s posture suggests movement; she appears to be walking or stepping forward. Her gaze is directed downwards, hinting at introspection or perhaps a sense of humility. A smaller, child-like figure is depicted in profile, positioned near the womans feet and facing towards her. This diminutive figure seems to be engaged in some activity – possibly crawling or reaching out – and its posture conveys a sense of eagerness or dependence.
The background is uniformly shaded, creating a flat plane that emphasizes the figures within. The lack of depth contributes to a feeling of isolation and focuses attention on the relationship between the woman and the child. A signature appears at the bottom, rendered in an elegant script, along with a date indicating its creation in 1904.
Subtleties within the drawing suggest several possible interpretations. The flowers held by the woman could symbolize innocence, fertility, or perhaps a connection to nature. The contrast between her formal attire and the child’s simpler garments might allude to social hierarchies or generational differences. The act of the child reaching towards the woman implies a desire for comfort, guidance, or protection.
The overall tone is one of quiet contemplation, evoking themes of motherhood, responsibility, and the passage of time. The monochromatic palette reinforces this sense of solemnity and timelessness, lending the drawing an air of understated elegance.