Portrait of a Lady in a High Hat

A woman in profile, her face softly shadowed, dominates this graphite portrait. Her elaborate hat, a tall, conical shape adorned with what appears to be a large bow or fabric flourish, draws the eye upward, giving her an elegant, elongated silhouette. The delicate lines of her collar and the subtle texture of her clothing are rendered with a precision that suggests a keen observation of contemporary fashion. This early work, created when the artist was just 20, already hints at the refined draftsmanship that would characterize his later, more ornate pieces. The use of Japanese paper, known for its smooth surface and subtle sheen, allows the graphite to achieve a remarkable range of tones, from the deep blacks of the hat to the softer grays defining her features, creating a sense of depth and quiet sophistication.