#39472 Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898)

Here we see a drawing depicting a female head and shoulders, rendered in graphite on paper. The subjects eyes are closed, conveying a sense of introspection or perhaps even melancholy. Her expression is subtle; the slight downward curve of her mouth suggests a quiet sadness rather than overt distress.
The artist has employed a delicate hatching technique to build up tonal variations across the face and hair. This creates a softness that contrasts with the more defined lines used for outlining the facial structure. The hair, rendered in swirling, loose strokes, frames the face and adds to the overall impression of gentle movement and fluidity. It’s not meticulously detailed but rather suggested through an accumulation of marks, giving it a somewhat ethereal quality.
The drawings composition is straightforward – a frontal portrait – but its power lies in the nuanced rendering of emotion. The closed eyes prevent direct engagement with the viewer, instead inviting speculation about the subject’s inner state. There’s a vulnerability present, heightened by the lack of visual contact.
The paper itself appears aged, with visible imperfections and discoloration along the edges. This adds to the drawings sense of history and lends it an air of authenticity. The inscription 1878 in the lower right corner provides a temporal anchor, situating the work within a specific historical context. Overall, this is a sensitive study that captures a fleeting moment of quiet contemplation.