This delicate composition features Annalies Nelck, a young Dutch artist who first met Matisse in 1944 when she approached him for help with her own work. She became an important member of the Matisse household for the next six years—posing for the artist, running errands, and helping in the studio. In turn, Matisse served as an important teacher and mentor for her. In depicting Nelck’s wavy hair, chiseled features, and wide collar, here Matisse contrasted sharp angles with fluid curves. This work was created as part of Matisse’s plan to create a collection of interconnected drawings with similar themes in different media, which was never completed.