Seated Female Nude c. 20th century

Robert Henri made this drawing of a seated female nude with red chalk on paper. It feels like a sketch, not labored over, but drawn lightly and quickly with just a few lines, and it gives the figure an ephemeral presence. I can imagine Henri making the drawing, his hand moving swiftly across the page, capturing the essence of the figure before him. Maybe the model was only there for a limited time, so he had to work fast. I like to think about the little red dot above her head. Was it a smudge, a mistake, or part of the drawing? I can't tell! The drawing feels delicate and personal because the lines are confident but minimal, and the red chalk gives it a warmth. I feel like I am looking at Henri’s immediate response to seeing this person. It’s a generous act for the artist to share this moment with the world.