Portrait of a Girl Giovanni Boldini (1842-1931)

The drawing presents a young woman in profile, her gaze directed downwards and slightly away from the viewer. The medium appears to be charcoal on paper, evidenced by the extensive tonal range achieved through varying degrees of pressure and blending. A significant portion of the composition is dedicated to rendering the subject’s hair, which cascades around her shoulders and neck in a loose, almost chaotic arrangement. This textural complexity contrasts with the smoother treatment of her facial features, though even here, the artist has employed subtle shading to suggest volume and form.
The womans posture conveys a sense of introspection or melancholy. Her head is tilted slightly downwards, and her expression seems withdrawn. The shoulders are slumped, contributing to this impression of quiet sadness. A garment, possibly a shawl or wrap, drapes over her upper body, its folds rendered with quick, gestural strokes that emphasize the fluidity of the fabric.
The artist’s use of charcoal allows for a remarkable degree of atmospheric effect. The darker tones create shadows that obscure parts of the face and body, adding to the overall mood of mystery and reserve. There is an immediacy to the drawing style; it feels less like a finished portrait and more like a study or preliminary sketch, capturing a fleeting moment of observation.
The inscription at the bottom right corner suggests a dedication à Madame Legrand / son amie Belting, which provides a personal context for the work. This intimate connection hints that the drawing might be a gift or a memento, further reinforcing the sense of private contemplation and emotional depth conveyed by the subject’s pose and expression. The date “1917” places the creation within a specific historical timeframe, potentially reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties of the era.