Ingres Madame Charles Hayard born Jeanne Susanne Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (1780-1867)

The drawing presents a portrait of a woman in a three-quarter pose, facing slightly towards the viewers left. She is depicted with a serene and composed expression; her gaze is direct yet gentle, suggesting both confidence and accessibility. The artist has rendered her features with meticulous detail, emphasizing the smoothness of her skin and the delicate curve of her lips.
The woman’s attire contributes significantly to the overall impression. A high-necked dress, intricately gathered at the sleeves and bodice, suggests a degree of formality and social standing. A white bonnet, elaborately draped and tied beneath her chin, frames her face and adds to the sense of refinement. The folds of the fabric are rendered with considerable skill, demonstrating an understanding of how textiles drape and reflect light.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette lends it a certain austerity, but also allows for a focus on line and form. Hatching and cross-hatching techniques are employed to create tonal variations, suggesting volume and texture. The artists hand is evident in the confident lines that define the figure’s contours and delineate the details of her clothing.
Subtly, there is an air of restrained elegance about the subject. Her posture is upright but relaxed, conveying a sense of inner composure rather than rigid formality. The absence of overt ornamentation beyond the dress and bonnet suggests a preference for understated beauty and quiet dignity. The drawing seems to aim not merely at representing likeness, but also at capturing a specific quality of character – one that speaks of intelligence, grace, and social propriety.

The signature, discreetly placed in the lower right corner, reinforces the sense of considered artistry; it is an acknowledgement of authorship without disrupting the overall harmony of the composition.