Portrait of Anna Meyer Hans The Younger Holbein

The drawing presents a young woman in profile, her gaze directed downwards and slightly away from the viewer. She is depicted with a delicate, almost melancholic expression. The artist has rendered her features with a precision that suggests careful observation, yet maintains an overall softness through the use of subtle shading and line work.
Here we see a long cascade of hair, rendered in warm tones of gold and brown, flowing down her back and over her shoulders. This length of hair is emphasized by its placement against the neutral background, drawing attention to it as a significant element of her presentation. The hair’s texture appears soft and slightly disheveled, contributing to an impression of naturalness rather than rigid formality.
The womans attire consists of a high-necked dress with intricate detailing around the collar and sleeves. A decorative band cinches her waist, adding definition to her figure. The details in the clothing suggest a certain level of social standing or refinement.
The background is largely devoid of detail, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the subject. This minimalist approach enhances the sense of introspection and quiet dignity conveyed by the woman’s pose and expression. The lack of environmental context isolates her, suggesting that this is not merely a likeness but an exploration of character or inner state.
Subtly, theres a fragility present in the rendering – the thin lines, the soft shading – which might imply vulnerability or a sense of transience. The downward gaze could be interpreted as modesty, sadness, or perhaps a quiet contemplation. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and understated emotion, inviting speculation about the subject’s inner life and circumstances.