Nel en Jeanne - To Frank-Stoltz

A graphite portrait study of two women, Nel and Jeanne, drawn by Dutch artist To Frank-Stoltz in 1943.

This graphite study, dated 28 February 1943, captures two female subjects, identified as Nel and Jeanne, in profile. The artist, To Frank-Stoltz, employs a precise and observational approach to portraiture. The drawing is executed on a page that appears to be from a sketchbook, evidenced by the perforated edge on the right side. The paper tone is a warm, aged beige, which provides a neutral ground for the grey graphite marks.

The composition presents the two women side by side, both facing towards the centre of the page. The artist focuses on the structure of the faces, using fine lines to define the jawlines, noses, and eyes. The shading is subtle, applied with light pressure to suggest the contours of the cheeks and the soft fall of hair. The clothing is rendered with minimal detail, consisting of simple collars and buttoned shirts, which keeps the viewer's attention on the facial expressions.

To Frank-Stoltz was a Dutch artist whose work often involved personal subjects and domestic scenes. This drawing is a direct record of individuals known to the artist. The names 'Nel' and 'Jeanne' are inscribed below their respective portraits, and the date is written at the bottom centre. The style is characteristic of mid-twentieth-century observational drawing, where the priority is the accurate depiction of the sitter rather than stylistic embellishment. The work offers a quiet, intimate glimpse into the artist's personal circle during the 1940s. It is a study of character and likeness, captured with economy and clarity. The lack of background detail ensures that the focus remains entirely on the two women, creating a sense of immediacy and presence.