WOLFGANG RATJEN COLLECTION, PURCHASED AS THE GIFT OF LADISLAUS AND BEATRIX VON HOFFMANN/NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
Menzel understood the importance of light and
was clear about its direction and role in suggesting
form. Quick streaks of light pastel on the right
mayindicatea window,fromwhicha consistent
illuminationbathesonesideofEmilie’sfigure.For the luminous highlights of the dress,
Menzel applied white pastel with a
rapid and almost-violent emphasis. This
createsanexcitingcontrasttothegentle
modelingofEmilie’sfaceandhands.ArtistsNetwork.com 9