Nude 1902

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made this nude study with ink on paper. What I notice is that everything is described by outlines of pale brown ink. I like to imagine Steinlen in his studio, rapidly sketching and re-sketching the form of the figure, feeling for that perfect line that captures the essence of the pose. What was he thinking at the time? Was he lost in contemplation of the human form, of this particular model, or was he just trying to get it done? I imagine he was trying to describe not just the form of her body, but something more, something about her interior life. The thinness of the ink creates a sense of vulnerability and openness, almost like the artist doesn't want to impose too much. It's like he is in a quiet conversation with the subject, listening more than speaking. We can almost feel the artist's breath on the paper as he coaxes the image into being. It reminds me a little bit of some of Degas' line drawings, or even Matisse's. There is a tradition of artists looking to other artists, and this feels like a continuation of that conversation.