Standbeeld van een vrouw 1636

Joan Comin rendered this ‘Statue of a Woman’ in ink; a study in line and form. Notice how the composition immediately draws the eye upwards, from the solid base to the figure’s serene face. The use of hatching and cross-hatching defines the drapery, giving a sense of volume and texture to the otherwise flat surface. The incisive lines don’t just depict; they articulate a classical ideal. By concentrating on the materiality of the drawn line, Comin invites us to consider the role of representation itself. The statue’s gaze is averted, which is a semiotic indication of modesty and thoughtfulness. The image, devoid of bright colour, suggests a timeless quality, and the lines give a feeling of movement within the static form. The image's structure and deliberate composition draw us to the essence of form and representation.