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Study for Composition (Lonely Figure) III (Estudo de Composição [Figura só] III)

Study for Composition (Lonely Figure) III (Estudo de Composição [Figura só] III)

Tarsila do Amaral
Brazilian, 1886–1973
1930
A small ink-and-pencil on paper study in which Tarsila reduces a solitary, hybrid figure and a sparse landscape to smooth, biomorphic outlines to explore compositional rhythm and mood.
On warm-toned paper a single curved horizon and a lone vase‑like figure—its lower limb curling like a foot—reach toward a horizontal, undulating ribbon while a cluster of totemic, mushroom‑shaped forms stands to the left, all rendered in a spare, flowing, calligraphic line that emphasizes empty space.
The drawing marks Tarsila’s move toward pared‑down, biomorphic abstraction, helping to shape a distinct Brazilian modernism that fused European avant‑garde line with local landscapes and mythic imagery.
Medium
Ink and pencil on paper
Dimensions
8 3/16 × 12 1/2" (20.8 × 31.8 cm)
Classification
Department
Credit
Gift of Max Perlingeiro through the Latin American and Caribbean Fund
Accession
524.2017
Palette
Art Terms
Exhibitions
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