Fourth Book: Chloe Bathing in the Cave of the nymphs (Chloe se baignant dans la grotte des nymphes) Possibly 1937

Aristide Maillol created this illustration, Chloe Bathing in the Cave of the Nymphs, using orange ink on woven paper, and I love the way the colour is so earthy and warm. It reminds me of the drawings children make with wax crayons, which have a similar kind of directness and simplicity. The texture and the line work are what really grab me here. See how the lines vary in thickness, giving a sense of depth and movement to the water, grass, and trees? The water seems to ripple and flow around Chloe’s form. Those curving lines that define her body are so fluid, as if he’s not just drawing her shape but also capturing the sensation of being immersed in water. The overall effect is super tactile. Maillol's simplified forms and focus on the human figure remind me of Matisse. Both artists had a knack for capturing the essence of their subjects with minimal detail, which is no easy feat. It's a testament to art’s endless capacity for interpretation.