Vertical Beneath the Collar

About the work

A frontal figure extends along a narrow central strip. At the top, a fine oval encloses small eyes, a long nose and a short mouth; a black patch of hair slightly disturbs the symmetry. Below the collar begins an alternation of crosswise strokes, rectangles and dark patches. The outer shoulders and clothing are drawn more loosely, leaving broad unfilled areas on either side.

The middle of the torso becomes the drawing's most detailed passage. Its small divisions suggest a fastening, but variations in thickness and density keep interrupting their regularity. Against this activity, the face appears unusually restrained. The long nose continues the vertical movement, linking the large shape of the head to the small internal structure. The portrait balances a tightly organised axis with an almost weightless outer contour.