Three women profile (1890-1900) painting

Henry Somm's 'Three Women in Profile' (1890-1900) presents an elegant study of feminine grace through delicate line work and subtle watercolour washes. The composition features three distinctly dressed women arranged in a classical left-to-right profile view, their poses suggesting both movement and stillness. The artist's technique demonstrates remarkable economy of line, with each figure defined by confident, fluid strokes that capture the essence of late 19th-century fashion and posture.

Somm, a French illustrator known for his contributions to the Parisian art scene, created this piece during a period of significant social change for women. His choice to depict three different women in profile suggests an interest in capturing varying expressions of femininity during the Belle Époque era. The work reflects the period's fascination with Japanese art, evident in the simplified forms and emphasis on linear qualities, while maintaining a distinctly European sensibility in the subjects' dress and bearing.

The artist's background as a caricaturist and illustrator for various French publications influenced his approach to this more serious artistic endeavour. Despite the formal nature of the profiles, there's a subtle hint of the artist's wit in the slightly exaggerated curves of the women's bustles and the theatrical tilt of their heads. The piece serves as a bridge between Somm's commercial work and his fine art aspirations, showcasing his ability to blend careful observation with artistic interpretation. The muted colour palette and precise linework demonstrate his mastery of watercolour technique, while the composition itself offers insight into the social conventions and fashion of the era.