F-RARM06 Rolf Armstrong

The composition presents a collection of three portrait studies arranged on what appears to be a larger sheet of paper or board. Each study depicts a woman with elaborate headwear, rendered in a style suggestive of early twentieth-century fashion illustration or costume design. The overall effect is one of a portfolio or preliminary sketches for a potential project.
The central portrait dominates the arrangement. Here we see a woman facing forward, her expression conveying a sense of confident allure. Her dark hair is partially obscured by an intricately patterned headpiece featuring vibrant reds and greens. The artist has employed bold brushstrokes to capture the texture of the fabric and the sheen of her skin. A signature or inscription appears beneath this portrait, dated 1928.
To the left, a study shows a woman in profile, gazing towards the right. Her face is framed by cascading curls adorned with a similarly ornate headpiece. The color palette here leans toward cooler tones, creating a contrast with the warmth of the central figure. A handwritten annotation, “Attea,” appears near the bottom left corner.
The portrait on the right presents another woman facing forward, her expression mirroring the confident gaze of the central subject. Her hair is styled in a shorter bob and embellished with a feathered headpiece. The artist has used a looser, more gestural approach to depict the feathers, suggesting movement and lightness. A handwritten note Piaches can be seen near the bottom right corner.
The background of the larger sheet displays a warm, earthy tone, which provides a neutral backdrop for the portraits. Dates – “1927” and “1928” – are inscribed on the surface, indicating the timeframe in which these studies were likely created. The presence of these annotations suggests that this is not a finished artwork but rather a working document or collection of preliminary designs.
Subtly, the arrangement implies an exploration of different styles and aesthetics within the realm of fashion or theatrical costume. The variations in pose, expression, and headwear suggest a process of experimentation and refinement. The handwritten notes indicate a personal connection to these studies, hinting at the artist’s individual approach to their craft. The overall presentation conveys a sense of intimacy and behind-the-scenes insight into the creative process.