Portret van Viola Possibly 1914

This is Chris Lebeau’s 'Portret van Viola', made in 1914, probably with graphite on paper. Look at how each line is carefully placed to build up the image, a slow and deliberate process, a real labour of love. I find myself drawn to the hair, the way it falls and curls, each strand a separate mark, but together they create a sense of movement, like water flowing. Notice the difference in texture between the tightly rendered hair at the top and the softer, wispier strands towards the bottom. The artist’s hand is evident in every stroke. There's something very art nouveau about this, perhaps echoing the graphic work of someone like Aubrey Beardsley, but with a gentler touch. It embraces ambiguity, inviting us to project our own feelings and associations onto Viola’s serene face.