#39601 Edvard Munch (1863-1944)

The drawing presents a portrait study of a woman in profile. The subject is positioned slightly off-center, with her gaze directed towards the left of the frame. Her hair is styled in an elaborate updo, rendered through bold, angular strokes that create a sense of volume and texture. These marks are not blended smoothly; instead, they maintain their distinctness, contributing to a fragmented quality within the overall composition.
The artist has employed a limited tonal range, primarily relying on variations of gray to define form and suggest light and shadow. The face itself is delicately rendered, with an emphasis on the subtle curve of the nose and the gentle slope of the chin. A melancholic or contemplative expression seems to be conveyed through the downturned mouth and the slightly lowered eyelids.
The neck appears elongated and slender, emerging from a high-necked garment indicated by a few abbreviated lines at the lower edge of the image. The background is entirely devoid of detail, allowing the viewers attention to remain focused solely on the subject’s face and upper body.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a woman, the drawing suggests an exploration of psychological state. The starkness of the execution, combined with the subject’s somber expression, hints at introspection or perhaps even sorrow. The fragmented quality of the hair could be interpreted as a visual metaphor for inner turmoil or a sense of disquiet. It is possible that the artist was less concerned with creating a realistic likeness and more interested in capturing an emotional essence – a fleeting moment of vulnerability or quiet reflection.