Profil de lumiere (Profile of light)
1886
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From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1886
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The painting depicts a woman's profile, with her face and hair illuminated by a soft, white light. Her features are rendered in delicate, feathery lines, and her hair is styled in a flowing, wavy pattern. The background of the painting is a deep, rich black, which serves to heighten the contrast with the woman's illuminated features. The woman's profile is turned to the left, and her eyes are cast downward, giving her an air of quiet contemplation. Her nose and mouth are finely detailed, and her hair is depicted in loose, flowing strands that frame her face. The painting's use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's eye into the woman's profile. For more on the artist who created this work, look up Redon, Odilon.