Portret van miss Hetty Pettigrew 1908

Theodore Roussel rendered "Portret van miss Hetty Pettigrew" using delicate pencil strokes on paper. The composition is immediately striking for its ethereal quality. The artist masterfully employs soft, almost imperceptible lines to define the figure, creating a sense of lightness. The absence of strong contours directs our attention to the interplay between light and shadow across the subject's face. This subtle modelling evokes a dream-like atmosphere, consistent with symbolist aesthetics. Roussel’s use of negative space is critical. The figure emerges from an undefined background, blurring the boundaries between subject and environment. The work prompts questions about representation and identity. Roussel avoids any clear narrative, focusing instead on the formal qualities of the portrait. In doing so, he challenges conventional notions of portraiture, and invites the viewer to contemplate the nature of perception. The work is not just a depiction of a person, but a study in form, space, and mood.