Behind the Creation of “Time”
When I first came across Jeune Femme in Charles Bargue’s Cours de Dessin, I knew I had to bring this beautiful and mysterious image to life. The figure, based on L’Inconnue de la Seine, has such a serene and timeless quality it feels like she’s frozen in a moment, somewhere between life and eternity.
As I worked on “Time,” the process itself became a meditation. Every tiny pencil stroke, every layer of shading, felt like a conversation with the past. I wanted to capture the softness of her expression and the delicate contours of her face while staying true to the classical techniques Bargue’s manual teaches. The process was slow, detailed, and time-consuming, but incredibly rewarding. I’ve put together a timelapse of the work so you can see just how much care and attention went into every part of the drawing.
The Marcus Aurelius quote came to me as I was working, and it immediately felt like the perfect addition. “A little time, and they shall close the story of thee and me, and then shall come others who shall remember neither our names nor our deeds.” It ties into the story of L’Inconnue de la Seine, a woman who, though unknown, has been immortalized through art. For me, it also reflects how art allows us to capture fleeting moments and give them greater meaning.
Creating “Time” wasn’t just about the technical challenge of drawing—it was about exploring these ideas of beauty, impermanence, and the passage of time. I hope the piece resonates with you and invites you to reflect, as it did for me while creating it.
Be sure to check out the timelapse video and let me know what you think—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
