Beckwith, James Carroll (American, 1852-1917) American artists

The drawing presents a woman in profile, rendered with a delicate and expressive charcoal technique. The subject is positioned centrally within the frame, her gaze directed towards the left. Her hair, elaborately styled with curls and what appears to be a decorative element at the crown, frames her face and contributes significantly to the overall composition.
The artist has employed a nuanced approach to shading, creating a sense of volume and depth in the subject’s features. The subtle gradations of tone define the contours of her nose, chin, and neck, while also suggesting the texture of her hair and clothing. A soft light illuminates one side of her face, leaving the other partially in shadow, which enhances the three-dimensionality of the portrait.
The woman is adorned with a blouse or dress featuring a ruffled neckline, adding a touch of elegance to her appearance. The details of the garment are loosely sketched, prioritizing an impressionistic rendering over precise representation. This contributes to the drawing’s overall feeling of spontaneity and immediacy.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a female subject, there is a sense of quiet introspection conveyed through her expression. Her lips are slightly parted, hinting at a possible unspoken thought or emotion. The downward tilt of her head suggests a contemplative mood, inviting speculation about her inner state. The drawing’s lack of background further focuses attention on the woman herself, emphasizing her psychological presence.
The artists signature is visible in the lower left corner, providing a sense of authorship and grounding the work within a specific artistic context. Overall, this drawing appears to be a study or preliminary sketch, capturing not only the physical likeness of the subject but also an element of her personality and character.