Staande vrouw met een vuurtest 1777 - 1779

Pieter de Mare created this small drawing, "Standing Woman with Fire Test," using pen and ink. The stark contrast between the white paper and the dense black lines immediately draws us into the character's expressive features. Notice how the sharp, angular lines define her face, exaggerating her features. The cross-hatching technique used to create shadows adds depth, yet it also flattens the image, emphasizing the graphic nature of the work. Her posture, slightly bent, and the extended arm create a dynamic diagonal line across the composition, countered by the verticality of her figure. This isn't just a portrait; it is a study in lines and form, capturing a moment of drama. The pen strokes vary in thickness, adding texture and visual interest. Mare’s choice to focus on expressive line work rather than detailed realism invites us to consider how form can convey meaning. The simplicity of the medium, combined with the complexity of the subject, challenges our perceptions of portraiture.