#53514 France

The drawing presents a portrait study of a young womans face and upper shoulders. The composition is tightly cropped, focusing almost entirely on the subjects features and expression. A muted green-yellow hue dominates the background, lending a somewhat ethereal or otherworldly quality to the work.
Here we see a delicate rendering of the facial structure; the artist has emphasized large, luminous eyes that gaze directly outward, creating an immediate connection with the viewer. The eyebrows are arched slightly, contributing to an expression that appears both thoughtful and perhaps melancholic. A subtle curve to the lips suggests a restrained emotion – neither overtly joyful nor sorrowful.
The hair is depicted as a mass of loosely defined strands, rendered in lighter tones to suggest volume and texture. It frames the face without obscuring its features, maintaining the focus on the subject’s gaze. The artist employed a technique that blends precise lines with softer shading, creating a sense of depth and realism while retaining an overall impression of delicacy.
At the lower center of the composition, a monogram is visible, encircled within a stylized frame. Beneath this, inscribed text identifies the work as being “to Sir Edward Burne-Jones from Fernand Khnopff,” indicating it was likely created as a gift or tribute. This inscription provides context for understanding the drawing as a personal exchange between artists and suggests an appreciation of the recipient’s aesthetic sensibilities.
The overall effect is one of quiet introspection, with the subjects gaze inviting contemplation on themes of beauty, melancholy, and perhaps even spiritual longing. The limited color palette and restrained style contribute to a sense of intimacy and refinement characteristic of Symbolist aesthetics.