p-hf-dfm08 #146 Harrison Fisher

The drawing presents a woman in profile, framed within an oval border delineated by a thin pink line. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the elongated form and directing attention towards her face and elaborate headwear.
Here we see a young woman with auburn hair, styled in loose waves that cascade down her shoulders. Her gaze is directed downwards, suggesting introspection or perhaps a studied melancholy. A large, intricately decorated hat dominates the upper portion of the image. It features a straw brim adorned with an abundance of flowers – primarily pink and red – and a cluster of foliage. A long, flowing black ribbon descends from beneath the hat, framing her face and adding to the overall sense of elegance and refinement.
The artist employed a delicate watercolor technique, characterized by soft washes and subtle gradations of color. The skin tones are rendered with a gentle luminosity, while the darker hues of the hair and ribbon provide contrast and visual depth. A signature appears in cursive script near the bottom right corner, adding a personal touch to the work.
The subtexts within this drawing revolve around notions of femininity, beauty, and social status. The woman’s attire – particularly the elaborate hat – indicates membership in an affluent class, likely belonging to the Belle Époque era. Her pose and expression convey a sense of quiet dignity and perhaps a hint of world-weariness, common tropes within depictions of women during this period. The oval frame contributes to the feeling of isolation or containment, suggesting that the woman is observed rather than actively engaging with her surroundings. Ultimately, the drawing functions as an idealized portrait, celebrating feminine grace while simultaneously hinting at underlying complexities and societal expectations.