Studie van een jonge vrouw met lange jas 1859 - 1879

Maurice Bonvoisin created this sketch of a young woman with a long coat using pencil. The composition, with its stark lines and minimal shading, presents a study in form rather than detail. Bonvoisin uses line to define the contours of the woman's figure and clothing, creating a clear distinction between the subject and the negative space. The sketch employs a semiotic system, where the coat, hat, and fur cuffs serve as signs of status and identity. The use of hatching and cross-hatching, particularly in the lower portion of the coat, adds depth and texture, emphasizing the materiality of the garment. The woman’s profile and stance are not just a physical representation but a cultural marker, reflecting the fashion and social codes of the time. The overall effect is an interplay between the seen and unseen, where the sketch invites the viewer to consider the broader cultural and social context of representation.