Portrait of Annie Miller George Price Boyce (1826-1897)

Here we observe a graphite drawing depicting a young woman in profile. The composition is straightforward: she faces left, her gaze directed towards the same direction. Her hair, rendered with delicate hatching and cross-hatching, falls loosely around her shoulders, suggesting a certain informality or perhaps even a lack of meticulous grooming. A high neckline obscures much of the upper torso, drawing attention to the face and its expression.
The artist’s handling of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and volume. The cheekbone is sharply defined by shading, while the bridge of the nose catches the light, contributing to a three-dimensional effect. Theres an economy of detail; the features are not overly refined, which lends a naturalism to the portrayal. The eyes, though small, possess a quiet intensity that hints at inner thoughts or emotions.
The drawing’s subdued palette and the texture of the paper contribute to a feeling of intimacy and immediacy. It appears to be a study, perhaps preliminary work for a larger piece, given its relatively simple execution and the visible traces of the artists hand. The slight imperfections in the lines and shading suggest a spontaneous creation rather than a highly polished final product.
Subtly, there’s an air of melancholy or introspection conveyed by the subject’s expression and posture. She doesn’t appear to be actively engaged with her surroundings; instead, she seems lost in thought. This quiet contemplation invites speculation about her inner life and circumstances. The lack of background further isolates the figure, emphasizing her solitude and perhaps suggesting a sense of vulnerability. The drawings overall effect is one of understated elegance and poignant observation.