Theo van Rysselberghe – Portrait de Maria Van Rysselberghe, 1900 Sotheby’s

The drawing presents a seated woman in profile, her gaze directed towards the viewer. She is positioned slightly off-center within the composition, contributing to a sense of quiet intimacy rather than formal grandeur. The artist employed a muted palette dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and subtle pinks – which lends the work a restrained elegance.
The woman’s attire consists of a high-necked blouse or dress with long sleeves, rendered in delicate strokes that suggest texture and drape. Her hands are clasped loosely in her lap, conveying an impression of composure and perhaps even a touch of melancholy. The background is indistinct, composed of vertical lines that evoke the suggestion of foliage or architectural elements seen through a window; it lacks sharp definition, serving to focus attention on the figure itself.
The artist’s technique emphasizes line work, with hatching and cross-hatching used extensively to model form and create tonal variations. This approach contributes to the drawings overall sense of delicacy and refinement. The lines are not consistently bold or dark; instead, they vary in intensity, creating a subtle play of light and shadow across the woman’s face and clothing.
A signature appears discreetly in the lower left corner, indicating the artist’s presence without disrupting the visual harmony. The overall effect is one of understated sophistication, suggesting a portrait intended to capture not only physical likeness but also an element of inner character. Theres a sense of quiet contemplation emanating from the subject, hinting at a narrative beyond what is immediately visible.