#07708 Umberto Boccioni (1882-1916)

Here we observe a pastel drawing depicting a woman and a young child seated at a table. The composition is vertically oriented, with both figures occupying nearly the entire frame. A sense of intimacy pervades the scene, underscored by their close proximity and direct gaze towards the viewer.
The woman, positioned slightly higher than the child, holds a plate in her hand, though its contents are obscured. Her expression is complex; it conveys a mixture of weariness and quiet determination. The artist rendered her features with a degree of realism, yet softened them through the use of pastel strokes that blur sharp lines and create an overall impression of vulnerability. She wears a high-necked blouse tied at the throat, a style common to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.
The child, seated beside her, is depicted in profile, facing forward with a solemn expression. The artist has captured the characteristic roundness of childhood features, while also suggesting an underlying seriousness. A cascade of curly hair frames the child’s face, adding to their youthful appearance.
Behind them, a curtain and what appears to be foliage are suggested through loose, gestural strokes. These elements contribute to a sense of enclosure and domesticity, hinting at the interior setting. The background is not sharply defined; instead, it dissolves into a hazy atmosphere that focuses attention on the two figures in the foreground.
The drawing’s palette is dominated by muted tones – creams, browns, and grays – which reinforce the somber mood. Light falls primarily from the left, illuminating the womans face and highlighting the textures of her clothing. The artist employed a technique that prioritizes capturing fleeting impressions over precise detail, resulting in an image that feels both immediate and emotionally resonant.
Subtly, the work suggests themes of maternal responsibility and the quiet burdens borne by women during this period. The plate held by the woman could symbolize sustenance or perhaps a sense of obligation. The child’s expression hints at an awareness beyond their years, possibly reflecting the anxieties of the adult world they are entering. Overall, the drawing evokes a feeling of poignant tenderness and understated melancholy.