A Young Woman of Frascati Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825)

The drawing presents a young woman in profile, her gaze directed towards an unseen point beyond the viewers perspective. The medium appears to be red chalk on paper, lending a warm, muted tone to the composition. A delicate veil cascades from beneath an elaborate headdress, partially obscuring the hair and contributing to a sense of restrained elegance.
The artist has rendered the woman’s features with considerable attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of her nose and chin, which possess a subtle refinement characteristic of portraiture from the period. The slight curve of her lips suggests a quiet composure, while the tilt of her head conveys an air of gentle introspection. Jewelry adorns her ear – a small, dangling earring – adding a touch of understated luxury to her appearance.
The woman’s attire consists of a gown with a low-cut neckline and sleeves gathered at the shoulders, indicative of fashionable dress. The folds of the fabric are sketched with a deft hand, demonstrating an understanding of drapery and its effect on form. The background is minimally defined, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the subject.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a young woman, the drawing hints at underlying social contexts. Her clothing and jewelry suggest a position within a comfortable or affluent class. The veil, while decorative, might also allude to modesty or societal expectations placed upon women during the era. The profile view itself was a common convention in portraiture, often used to convey dignity and status.
The overall impression is one of quiet grace and refined sensibility. It’s not merely a likeness but an attempt at capturing a certain character – a young woman poised between innocence and maturity, presented with a degree of idealized beauty.