The Head of a Woman Adolph von Menzel (1815-1905)

Here we observe a portrait study focusing on the upper torso and head of a woman in profile. The artist employed charcoal on paper, creating a work characterized by its immediacy and textural richness. The subject is positioned slightly off-center, her gaze directed towards an unseen point beyond the frames edge.
The rendering emphasizes volume through skillful manipulation of light and shadow. Noticeable are the broad strokes used to define the contours of the face – the prominent nose, the strong jawline, and the subtle curve of the cheekbone. The hair is rendered with a loose, almost chaotic energy; individual strands are suggested rather than precisely delineated, contributing to an overall impression of naturalness and perhaps even a degree of dishevelment. A dark collar or fur trimming frames the neck, adding a touch of formality that contrasts with the relaxed posture and expression of the woman.
The artist’s handling of charcoal allows for a range of tonal values, from deep blacks used to model shadows to lighter grays suggesting highlights. This creates a sense of depth and three-dimensionality. The background is left largely unworked, consisting primarily of the papers natural tone with some smudging that reinforces the feeling of a quick study undertaken in situ.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of physical features, the portrait conveys an impression of quiet contemplation or perhaps even melancholy. The woman’s expression is not overtly joyful but rather suggests a depth of thought and experience. Theres a certain dignity to her bearing, despite the informal nature of the drawing itself. It seems likely that this was intended as a preliminary study for a larger work, capturing an essential likeness and mood before further refinement. The visible signature in the upper right corner indicates the artist’s personal mark on the piece, solidifying its status as a direct record of observation and artistic process.