#15479 Paul Cesar Helleu

The drawing presents a portrait of a woman in profile, rendered with a delicate and fluid line. The subject is positioned slightly off-center, her gaze directed towards the viewer over her shoulder. She wears a large, elaborate hat that dominates the upper portion of the composition, its wide brim casting shadows across her face and shoulders. The hat’s structure appears complex, featuring layered elements and decorative flourishes.
The artist employed a restrained palette, primarily utilizing shades of gray and beige on a warm-toned paper background. This limited color range contributes to an overall sense of elegance and refinement. Hatching and cross-hatching techniques are evident in the rendering of the woman’s hair and clothing, creating subtle tonal variations and suggesting texture. The lines are loose and expressive, conveying a sense of immediacy and capturing the subjects likeness with a degree of informality.
The woman’s expression is one of quiet confidence; her lips are slightly parted, hinting at an unspoken thought or sentiment. Her posture suggests a certain poise and self-assurance. The visible portion of her dress reveals a soft, flowing fabric that drapes gracefully around her form.
Subtly, the drawing conveys a sense of social standing and sophistication. The elaborate hat and refined attire suggest membership in a privileged class. The artist’s choice to depict the woman in profile, rather than facing directly forward, creates an air of mystery and invites speculation about her character. The signature at the bottom right corner, Helleu Paris 1909, provides contextual information regarding authorship and date, further anchoring the work within a specific historical moment – the Belle Époque.

The drawing’s overall effect is one of understated beauty and refined elegance, characteristic of portraiture from the early twentieth century.