Novembre Eugene Grasset (1841-1917)

The drawing presents a scene imbued with autumnal melancholy and quiet contemplation. A woman, dressed in a flowing, pale-colored gown, is depicted bending over a patch of foliage. Her posture suggests attentiveness, perhaps even tenderness, as she reaches towards the plants before her. She appears to be gathering something – likely flowers or leaves – into a basket held at her waist.
The setting is clearly an outdoor space, likely a garden or woodland edge. The dominant visual element is the dense network of trees and branches that frame the composition. Their bare limbs, rendered with intricate detail, reach across the upper portion of the image, creating a sense of enclosure and hinting at the dormancy associated with late autumn. A single orange orb hangs amongst the branches, possibly representing a setting sun or fruit – a visual cue reinforcing the seasonal context.
The color palette is restrained, primarily consisting of muted greens, browns, and creams. This limited range contributes to the overall somber mood. The artist employed cross-hatching extensively, particularly in the depiction of the trees and foliage, adding texture and depth to the scene. A decorative border surrounds the central image, lending it a formal, almost illustrative quality.
Subtly, the drawing evokes themes of loss and transition. The woman’s solitary figure and her engagement with fading nature suggest a reflection on impermanence. Her downward gaze implies introspection, as if she is absorbing the quiet beauty of decay. The basket could symbolize gathering memories or remnants of a past season. While seemingly simple in its depiction, the drawing conveys a profound sense of solitude and acceptance within the natural cycle of life and death.