#39488 Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898)

The drawing presents a profile portrait of a young woman, executed in graphite on paper. The composition is vertically oriented and focuses intently on the subjects face and upper torso. A sense of quiet introspection pervades the work.
Here we see a delicate rendering of features; the nose is prominent, subtly aquiline, while the lips are softly defined, suggesting a contemplative or melancholic mood. The eyes, though rendered in profile, convey an impression of inward focus, as if directed towards some unseen point beyond the viewer’s perspective. The hair, loosely depicted with short, flowing strokes, frames the face and contributes to the overall sense of naturalism.
The artist employed a restrained tonal range, relying primarily on variations in pressure to create depth and form. The shading around the neck and shoulder suggests a gentle curve, hinting at the subject’s body beneath the clothing. A faint indication of a garment is visible near the lower edge of the composition, though it remains largely undefined, serving only to ground the figure within the space.
Subtlety characterizes this drawing. The lack of overt expression or dramatic gesture encourages an intimate connection with the subject. One might interpret the pose as indicative of vulnerability or quiet resilience. The absence of a background further isolates the figure, emphasizing her internal state and inviting speculation about her thoughts and feelings. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and poignant introspection, suggesting a study intended to capture not just physical likeness but also an essence of character.