p hf bookplate091 #295 Harrison Fisher

The drawing presents a portrait of a young woman in profile, executed with a delicate and fluid line. She is positioned against a warm, ochre-toned background that allows her features and attire to stand out. The artist has chosen a three-quarter view, emphasizing the elegant curve of her neck and the slope of her nose.
A large, white straw hat dominates the upper portion of the composition, its brim casting soft shadows across her face and shoulders. A vibrant blue scarf is knotted loosely around her throat, providing a striking contrast to the muted tones of the hat and background. The scarf’s folds are rendered with quick, expressive brushstrokes, suggesting movement and a casual elegance. Her hair, styled in loose waves, cascades down her back, partially concealed by the hat and scarf.
The womans expression is introspective; her eyes gaze downwards, conveying a sense of melancholy or quiet contemplation. The artist has paid particular attention to the subtle shading around her eyes and lips, lending them a delicate realism. A faint blush on her cheeks adds a touch of vitality to the otherwise subdued palette.
The drawing’s style suggests an affinity for the Belle Époque aesthetic – a period characterized by its emphasis on beauty, leisure, and refined taste. The subjects attire and posture evoke a sense of fashionable sophistication, while the overall mood is one of understated grace. The presence of the signature and date (1916) in the lower right corner indicates that this work may have served as a bookplate or personal emblem, intended to identify the belongings of an individual with discerning taste.
Subtly, there’s a sense of isolation conveyed by the womans solitary pose and downward gaze. The background is undifferentiated, placing her entirely in focus while simultaneously distancing her from any specific context. This contributes to a feeling that she exists within a private moment, removed from the bustle of everyday life.