Florence Beerbohm c. 1925

Here we have a drawing of Florence Beerbohm by William Rothenstein, made using what looks like sanguine crayon on paper. The delicate strokes and the warmth of the colour create an intimate and immediate impression. There's a real sense of process here. The lines are tentative, searching. Look at the hair, how the artist returns again and again to the same contours, building up the form gradually. You can almost feel Rothenstein's hand moving across the paper. It’s like watching a thought take shape. Now, notice the blank space that surrounds the head. It's not just empty, it's active! It pushes the portrait forward, lending it a feeling of lightness, as if she might float off the page. It’s a brave choice, but it really works. Rothenstein reminds me a little of someone like Vuillard, who had a similar ability to capture the quiet drama of everyday life. Both artists show us that art is not about perfection, but about embracing the beauty of the imperfect.