Seated Princess

Marie Laurencin studied porcelain painting at the famed National Porcelain Factory at Sèvres. Lessons learned in this decorative art context—the importance of delicate brushwork, refined line and meticulous care—served her well when she turned to fine art. Here, with but a few delicate lines and the softest of pastel color conjunctions, Laurencin calls into focus the seated figure of a young woman. The woman’s small, wide-set, dark eyes and doll-like lips are faint indicators of life. Indeed, she is scarcely present at all.