#07673 Umberto Boccioni (1882-1916)

The drawing presents a seated figure, rendered in charcoal with evident gestural marks. The subject appears to be a woman, depicted from approximately the waist upwards, occupying a chair with elaborate scrollwork on its arms and back. She is positioned at an angle relative to the viewer, her body turned slightly towards the left.
The artist has prioritized capturing movement and immediacy over precise anatomical detail. Lines are loose and energetic, particularly in the rendering of the hair, which appears somewhat stylized and cropped short. The face exhibits a contemplative expression; the eyes are directed forward with an air of introspection or perhaps mild amusement. She holds a lit cigarette between her fingers, the smoke curling upwards, adding to the sense of relaxed leisure.
The chair itself is rendered with more detail than the figure, suggesting its importance as a compositional element and potentially hinting at a certain social status associated with the subject. The background is largely undefined, allowing focus to remain on the woman and her immediate surroundings. This lack of contextual information contributes to an atmosphere of intimacy and privacy.
Subtly, the drawing conveys a sense of modernity. The short hairstyle, the casual posture, and the act of smoking all align with emerging social norms of the early 20th century. There is a quiet defiance in her gaze, suggesting a woman comfortable in her own skin and unconcerned with conventional expectations. The overall impression is one of studied nonchalance, hinting at an interior life beyond what is immediately visible.