The artwork in question is a pencil portrait titled “Mme Jacques Fourchy,” created by the renowned artist Edgar Degas in 1883. As a pivotal figure in the Impressionist movement, Degas applied his sensibility to the piece, which falls within the portrait genre. As with many of his works, Degas’s use of pencil in this portrait is indicative of his mastery in capturing human figures and his dedication to exploring the subtleties of form and light.
“Mme Jacques Fourchy” demonstrates Edgar Degas’s exceptional skill in pencil drawing, with careful attention to the contours and delicate shading that defines the sitter’s profile. The artwork depicts a woman viewed in profile, showcasing her defined facial features, from her forehead down to her chin. The strokes of the pencil vary in intensity, suggesting the interplay of light and shadow on her face and hair. There is a sense of immediacy and intimacy in the way the portrait is rendered, inviting contemplation about the sitter’s personality and status. The meticulous details of her hair are drawn with finesse, emphasizing the texture and flow of her hairstyle. Degas’s signature and the date are inscribed at the bottom right corner, serving as a testament to the work’s authenticity and historical context. The portrait as a whole exudes the characteristic elegance and quietly observed realism that is often associated with Degas’s portraiture.
