#19323 Martin Schongauer

The drawing presents a female figure in what appears to be a formal pose. She is depicted standing, turned slightly towards the viewer, with her weight shifted onto one leg. Her attire suggests a position of some social status; she wears a long, flowing gown with sleeves gathered at the elbows and a veil or headdress adorned with foliage. The folds of her garment are rendered with considerable detail, indicating an attention to texture and volume.
In her hands, she holds aloft a vessel containing what is clearly represented as a flame. This element immediately introduces a symbolic layer; the light could signify knowledge, faith, or perhaps even divine inspiration. Her expression is serene, almost melancholic, which contributes to a sense of introspection rather than overt joy.
The artist has employed linear perspective and shading to create depth and form. The lines are crisp and precise, characteristic of engraving techniques. A landscape, rendered in rudimentary detail, forms the base upon which she stands. Inscriptions appear at the bottom edge of the image, though their legibility is limited, they likely provide contextual information or a dedication.
The overall impression conveyed by this drawing is one of quiet dignity and symbolic weight. The figure’s posture and gesture suggest an offering or presentation, while her expression hints at a deeper emotional complexity. Its possible that the work intends to portray a personification of virtue, wisdom, or perhaps a specific allegorical concept common in medieval or Renaissance art.