Pastel Woman Painter With Easel In A Studio Academy Portrait 1950 Signed

Woman painter at work in the studio, 20th century.

Large pastel depicting a young woman seated with her back to a studio interior, facing a female portrait on an easel, while a second painting appears in the background. The scene's tight, plunging framing underlines the presence and concentration of the setting. The whole gives off a collected, silent, almost meditative atmosphere, in a range of bluish grays, muted browns and velvety blacks lifted by a few warmer accents.

The work is interesting for its inner construction. The face of the figure at the easel remains barely defined, almost effaced, which gives the pastel a psychological rather than descriptive scope.

The composition relies on broad masses, on the diagonal of the back and skirt, and on the dialogue between the two paintings within the painting. This is modern studio figuration, post avant-garde in spirit, where climate, withdrawal and the thoughtfulness of the image count more than realistic precision. The pastel thus possesses a real quality of presence, with a beautiful velvety texture and a very accurate restraint, similar to the works of Maurice Mélat. Signature not deciphered lower right.

Antique gilded wooden frame under glass See photos.

Total dimensions: 78 x 63 cm.