Portrait of a Young Woman c1440 Rogier Van Der Weyden

The drawing presents a bust-length portrait of a young woman, rendered in meticulous detail using chalk or charcoal on prepared paper. The subject is positioned against a plain background, which directs full attention towards her features and attire. Her gaze is directed slightly off-center, conveying an impression of quiet contemplation rather than direct engagement with the viewer.
The artist has paid considerable attention to rendering the subtleties of light and shadow across the woman’s face. The delicate shading around her eyes and mouth suggests a youthful complexion, while the slight furrowing of her brow hints at a thoughtful or perhaps melancholic disposition. Her nose is finely sculpted, and the lips are gently curved, contributing to an overall impression of refined beauty.
The elaborate headdress dominates the upper portion of the composition. It consists of multiple layers of fabric, meticulously rendered with attention to their folds and textures. The complexity of the headwear suggests a position of some social standing or perhaps religious affiliation. Its dark tones contrast with the lighter tones of her face and neck, further emphasizing her features.
The artist’s use of linear hatching creates a sense of volume and depth throughout the drawing. Fine lines delineate the contours of her face, neck, and clothing, while denser shading defines areas in shadow. The visible underdrawing, particularly evident in the background and around the edges of the figure, reveals the process of creation and suggests that this may be a study or preparatory work for a larger piece.
Subtly, there is an air of formality about the portrait. The woman’s posture is upright, her expression restrained. This formality, combined with the elaborate headdress, implies a deliberate presentation intended to convey status and dignity. While the drawing lacks overt symbolism, the overall effect is one of quiet elegance and introspective character study.