Mélancolie (Melancholy)
1895
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1895
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a person with their head slightly tilted, hands pressed together near their chin. Their hair is pulled back, and they’re wearing a dark, loose garment that covers their shoulders. The background is plain and shadowy, focusing all attention on their face and posture. The artist used a simple black-and-white technique to highlight the person’s quiet, thoughtful expression. The soft lines and shading make the image feel intimate, almost like a private moment frozen in time. Want to learn more? Try looking up lithography.