Head of Young Woman Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)

This is a charcoal and chalk drawing of the head and shoulders of a young woman looking down and to the left. Her eyes are closed, and her expression is serene and contemplative. Her hair is long and wavy, elaborately styled with curls and braids, adorned with a jeweled band and pins. The drawings subtle shading and delicate lines create a sense of softness and volume, particularly in the rendering of her face and hair.

The subtexts or deeper meanings could be interpreted in several ways:

• Idealized Beauty and Serenity: The young woman is depicted with graceful features and a peaceful expression, suggesting an ideal of feminine beauty and inner tranquility. Her closed eyes might imply introspection, prayer, or a gentle sleep.
• Mourning or Melancholy: The downward gaze and closed eyes could also evoke a sense of sorrow or melancholy. She might be in a state of reflection on something sad or a moment of quiet grief.
• Spiritual Devotion: The gesture of looking downwards with closed eyes is often associated with piety and prayer. The drawing could represent a moment of deep spiritual connection or contemplation.
• Youthful Vulnerability: The figures youth and delicate rendering can suggest innocence and a certain vulnerability. The elaborate hairstyle could be contrasting with a hint of inner fragility.
• Artistic Study: As a preparatory drawing, it is a study of form, light, and texture. The artist is exploring the representation of hair, facial features, and the play of light and shadow on a human head. The focus on the profile and the detailed rendering of the hair indicate a keen interest in capturing the nuances of appearance.