39514 Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898)

Here we observe a portrait drawing executed in graphite on paper. The subject is a young woman depicted from the chest upwards, her gaze directed slightly off-center and downward. Her expression appears contemplative, perhaps even melancholic; theres a subtle downturn to her mouth that contributes to this impression.
The artist has rendered the hair with a remarkable density of short, rapidly sketched lines, creating a voluminous effect that frames the face. The texture is not merely descriptive but also serves to soften the contours and add visual complexity. Notice how the strokes follow the direction of the hairs flow, suggesting movement and vitality despite the overall stillness of the pose.
The facial features are delicately rendered. The eyes, though shaded, possess a certain depth, conveying an inner life that transcends a simple likeness. The nose is subtly modeled, and the lips are thin, contributing to the overall impression of quiet introspection. The artist has employed subtle gradations in tone to suggest form and volume, particularly around the neck and shoulders.
The background is left largely unrendered, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the subject. This minimalist approach emphasizes her isolation and draws attention to her psychological state. A signature and date (EB/1896) are visible at the bottom of the drawing, providing a temporal anchor for the work.
Subtly, theres an air of vulnerability present in the portrait. The downward gaze and subdued expression suggest a quiet sadness or perhaps a sense of resignation. It is not a depiction of overt emotion but rather one that hints at deeper, unspoken feelings. The drawing’s simplicity – the lack of color, the restrained background – amplifies this feeling of intimacy and introspection, inviting the viewer to contemplate the subjects inner world.