This early 20th-century charcoal drawing by L Ducourant depicts a seated nude in profile. It’s exquisitely rendered with keen attention to the effects of the light.

Every now and then, we discover a piece by an unknown artist that carries such an abundance of quality that it’s a mystery as to why they didn’t achieve great success. This is one of those. Very little is known about Ducourant but clearly they had a masterful touch. It’s likely that the drawing was completed during their studies, perhaps at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels or Antwerp.

Note the changes to the left foot, which were introduced after rendering the arm.

Signed, dated, framed and glazed.

Medium: Charcoal on paper
Overall size: 24” x 29½” / 62cm x 75cm
Year of creation: 1922
Condition: Artwork presents well.