Artwork

Frédéric Mistral: Mémoires et Recits by Frédéric Mistral: bust of a woman (page 41)

Auguste Brouet , 1937

Frédéric Mistral: Mémoires et Recits by Frédéric Mistral: bust of a woman (page 41) is a work on paper by Auguste Brouet. It dates from 1937 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1937 sketch by Auguste Brouet, housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, depicts a bust of a woman in black and white. Characterized by swift, sketchy lines, the piece captures the subject's serious yet nuanced expression.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a woman with pulled-back hair, conveys a sense of solemnity through her gaze, though her overall demeanor remains approachable. The emotional depth achieved through simple means underscores the artist's expressive intent.

Technique & Style

Executed in rapid, unpolished strokes, the sketch prioritizes immediacy over refinement. Subtle shading introduces texture to the woman's face, enhancing the overall sense of depth and dimensionality.

History & Provenance

Created in 1937 by Auguste Brouet, the work is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art. Originally illustrated in Frédéric Mistral's 'Mémoires et Recits' (page 41).

Context

While the sketch's context within 'Mémoires et Recits' suggests a potential illustrative purpose, its standalone artistic merit lies in its successful capture of a momentary, introspective mood, akin to the expressive potential of chiaroscuro techniques.

Legacy

As a modest, quickly rendered study, the work's legacy may not lie in grand recognition but in its demonstration of the artist's ability to evoke depth and emotion through minimalist, expressive means.