La modiste
1895
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1895
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
La modiste is a 1895 ink by Norbert Goeneutte, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows two women indoors. One is adjusting a large hat on the other’s head, while the second woman holds a small box—maybe for pins or tools. The lines are loose and fast, with lots of shading to show folds in clothes and the shape of the hat. The paper has a greenish tint, and the whole thing looks like it was drawn in a hurry. The artist used a technique that lets ink sit in the grooves of the plate, creating rich, dark lines. This was common for quick studies or practice pieces. Next, look up etching to see how it works.
