Vrouw met lang haar 1876 - 1924

This drawing, "Vrouw met lang haar," was created by Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof using graphite. The composition is dominated by the stark contrast between the detailed, textured depiction of the woman and the vast expanse of empty space surrounding her. The woman's profile is meticulously rendered with a focus on line and form. Her long hair cascades down in a series of graphite strokes, creating a sense of movement. The starkness of the graphite against the paper emphasizes the delicate lines and textures, inviting us to consider the interplay between presence and absence. The negative space is not merely a backdrop, but an active element that amplifies the woman's presence. This deliberate use of space destabilizes traditional notions of portraiture, challenging us to consider the psychological and emotional dimensions of the subject beyond her physical likeness. The drawing becomes a field of contemplation, where the woman's identity emerges not just from her features, but also from the surrounding void.