Image 485 David Hockney

The artwork presents a seated figure rendered in pastel on paper. Here we observe a woman positioned within what appears to be a chair with high back and armrests. Her posture is somewhat stiff; she sits upright, her hands clasped loosely in her lap. The artist has employed a limited palette of yellows, blues, oranges, and creams, applied with visible strokes that contribute to the works textural quality.
The woman’s face commands attention. Her gaze is direct, almost confrontational, yet there is an underlying sense of melancholy or introspection within her expression. The rendering of her features is not entirely realistic; certain aspects are simplified or exaggerated, contributing to a feeling of psychological intensity rather than photographic accuracy. Her hair is depicted as short and dark, framing her face with a somewhat angular quality.
The background is largely monochromatic, composed of pale yellows and creams that create an impression of diffused light. The artist has used broad strokes to suggest the planes of the chair and the surrounding space, but details are minimal. This simplification directs focus towards the figure herself.
Subtleties in color usage add layers of meaning. The orange shawl draped over her shoulders introduces a warmth that contrasts with the cooler tones of her clothing and the background. The blue hues used for her skirt seem to create a sense of depth, while the yellow highlights on her upper body suggest illumination or perhaps even vulnerability.
The date 1943 inscribed in the lower right corner provides historical context, potentially hinting at themes of resilience or quiet fortitude during wartime. The overall effect is one of restrained emotion and psychological complexity; the work seems to explore a sense of interiority rather than external narrative.