Polly Barnard John Singer Sargent (1856-1925)

The drawing presents a figure in profile, rendered with a delicate and somewhat hesitant line. Here we observe a young woman, her gaze directed downwards, suggesting introspection or melancholy. The head is turned slightly, allowing for a clear view of the facial features – a slender nose, a softly defined mouth, and eyes that appear closed or lowered.
The artist has given considerable attention to the depiction of hair; it swirls around the figure’s face in loose, energetic strokes, creating a sense of volume and movement. This treatment contrasts with the more restrained rendering of the facial features, drawing focus to the unruly nature of the hair as perhaps indicative of an inner state.
The body is sketched with a similar fluidity, the shoulder and upper arm suggested rather than precisely defined. The lines are not consistently dark; instead, they vary in intensity, contributing to a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. This technique lends the drawing a feeling of being a quick study or preliminary sketch, capturing an impression rather than aiming for photographic realism.
Subtly, there is a vulnerability conveyed through the figure’s posture and expression. The downward gaze and closed eyes imply a withdrawal from the external world, hinting at a private moment of reflection. The lack of detail in the background further isolates the subject, emphasizing her solitude.
The drawings monochromatic palette reinforces this mood of quiet contemplation. The absence of color directs attention to the interplay of light and shadow created by the varying line weights, enhancing the emotional impact of the piece. Overall, the work evokes a sense of delicate beauty tinged with sadness or pensiveness.