Profile of a Young Boy - Georges Lemmen

A delicate 1911 portrait study by Belgian artist Georges Lemmen, capturing a young boy in profile with soft coloured pencil lines.

This portrait study by Georges Lemmen captures a young boy in profile, rendered with the delicate precision characteristic of the artist's later works. Dated 22 October 1911, the drawing demonstrates Lemmen's ability to convey character through minimal means. The artist employs a light touch, using coloured pencils to define the contours of the face and the soft texture of the hair. The subject wears a collared garment, indicated by subtle shading that suggests volume without relying on heavy outlines.

Lemmen, a member of the Belgian group Les Vingt, is often associated with the Neo-Impressionist movement. While he is frequently recognised for his pointillist paintings, his graphic work reveals a different side of his practice. This piece shows his interest in domestic subjects and the observation of daily life. The composition is quiet and restrained, focusing entirely on the profile view. The inclusion of the date and the artist's monogram in the lower section provides a clear record of the work's origin. The paper tone remains visible, acting as a neutral ground that allows the soft hues of the pencil to emerge. This study offers a glimpse into the artist's private practice, where he explored portraiture with a focus on line and gentle colour application. It is a modest yet precise example of early twentieth-century Belgian draughtsmanship, reflecting the artist's shift away from the rigid application of colour theory toward a more fluid and personal style of drawing.