Colette et sa chienne (Colette and Her Dog) 1932

Here we see an ink drawing by Andre Dunoyer de Segonzac, titled "Colette et sa chienne." A textured network of lines delicately renders the figure of Colette reclining on a chaise lounge, accompanied by her dog. Notice the composition, where line economy destabilizes conventional portraiture. Segonzac's structural approach uses minimal strokes to define form and volume. The lines, though sparse, are carefully placed to suggest the contours of Colette's body, the folds of her dress, and the shape of her dog nestled beside her. This restraint invites the viewer to complete the image, engaging actively with the artwork’s semiotic structure. The texture created by the cross-hatching suggests depth and shadow, yet the overall effect remains open and permeable, resisting fixed interpretation. This drawing is not just a depiction of a woman and her pet; it is an exploration of the very language of drawing, challenging our assumptions about representation and perception.