Tête de femme 

Pierre Puvis de Chavannes created this head of a woman using graphite to explore light and form. The drawing is dominated by the contrast between the lit and shadowed portions of the face, split almost directly down the middle. This stark division immediately captures the eye and provokes curiosity. Puvis de Chavannes uses short, directional strokes to model the woman's features, creating a sense of depth and volume despite the limited tonal range. The hatching marks that form the background create a stark contrast. The formal arrangement and the use of chiaroscuro—strong contrasts between light and dark—draw the viewer's attention to the psychological depth suggested by the sitter's expression. The interplay between the formal elements and the thematic content invites us to consider how visual language constructs and conveys meaning. Art remains open to endless interpretation, shaped by our unique perspectives and cultural contexts.