Head of Girl Facing Left c. 1873 - 1877

Edward Burne-Jones created this delicate head study in pencil on paper. The girl’s serene profile, softly rendered, is positioned against an ethereal, almost blank background. The composition, simple yet elegant, directs our gaze to the gentle contours of her face and the flowing lines of her hair. Burne-Jones’s approach to form is evident in the careful balance of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth despite the limited tonal range. The lines, mostly smooth and flowing, give shape to the girl's features. He captures the texture of her hair with finely drawn lines, emphasizing its volume and softness. The limited use of shading focuses attention on her facial expression which carries a reflective emotional quality. In its emphasis on beauty and idealized form, this drawing exemplifies the aesthetic principles of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. It encourages us to reflect on beauty, representation and our subjective response to it.