#19490 Marino Marini

The drawing presents a portrait study, executed in watercolor and ink on paper. A womans head is depicted in profile, turned slightly towards the viewer. The composition is tightly cropped, focusing primarily on her face and upper torso.
Here we see an emphasis on expressive lines rather than precise rendering. The artist employed a loose, gestural style, using broad brushstrokes and fluid ink washes to suggest form and volume. The facial features are simplified; the eyes possess a directness that conveys a sense of introspection or perhaps melancholy. The mouth is rendered with a subtle curve, hinting at an underlying emotional complexity.
The hair is depicted as a swirling mass of dark lines, seemingly escaping from the head in a dynamic fashion. This treatment contributes to a feeling of movement and energy within the otherwise restrained composition. A splash of reddish-orange pigment appears on the cheek, adding a touch of warmth and vibrancy to the palette. The background is a muted beige, allowing the figure to stand out while maintaining a sense of unity.
The date 1939 is inscribed in the lower right corner, alongside what appears to be a signature. This temporal marker places the work within a period marked by significant historical upheaval, which may inform an understanding of the subjects demeanor and the artist’s approach.
Subtly, there is a sense of fragility conveyed through the delicate watercolor washes and the tentative lines. The portrait does not present a celebratory image; instead, it suggests a moment of quiet contemplation or perhaps even vulnerability. It appears to be less concerned with capturing an exact likeness than with conveying a psychological state – a fleeting impression of character.