Profile Head of a Japanese Girl Robert Frederick Blum (1857-1903)

The drawing presents a portrait in profile, focusing intently on the subjects head and upper torso. The figure is positioned slightly off-center within the vertical format, allowing for a substantial dark background that frames her form. This stark contrast immediately draws attention to the illuminated portion of the composition.
Here we see a young woman with an elaborate hairstyle, suggesting a degree of formality or perhaps a specific cultural context. Her features are rendered with careful observation; the curve of her nose, the shape of her lips, and the slight tilt of her head all contribute to a sense of quiet introspection. The artist has employed cross-hatching extensively to build up tonal values and suggest form. This technique is particularly evident in the rendering of the hair, where dense lines create texture and volume.
The treatment of the clothing is less detailed than the face, but it still conveys a sense of fabric and drape through similar hatching techniques. The background appears almost entirely composed of closely spaced parallel lines, creating an atmospheric effect that isolates the subject and emphasizes her presence. Theres a deliberate lack of detail in the background; it serves primarily to enhance the focus on the individual portrayed.
Subtleties within the drawing suggest more than just a straightforward portrait. The downward gaze of the figure implies a certain melancholy or pensiveness, inviting speculation about her inner state. The formal hairstyle and attire might indicate an attempt at assimilation or representation within a foreign culture, hinting at themes of identity and displacement. The artist’s choice to depict the subject in profile is significant; it removes direct eye contact with the viewer, fostering a sense of distance and perhaps encouraging contemplation rather than immediate connection.
The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and quiet dignity, imbued with an underlying current of introspection and cultural nuance.