Study of a woman’s head 

Editor: Evelyn De Morgan's pencil drawing, "Study of a Woman's Head," has an ethereal quality, like a Pre-Raphaelite daydream. What do you see in this piece, looking beyond the elegant lines? Curator: I see a yearning. The upward gaze is a powerful symbol – a reaching for something beyond the earthly plane. The tousled hair, while fashionable, speaks to an unbridled spirit. Note how the artist uses light to create a soft halo effect. The light gives a sense of grace but could this portrait of longing also suggest isolation? Editor: Isolation? I was drawn to her strength, the confident line of her jaw. But you’re right, the upward gaze feels more like a search. What visual cues support your take on the themes in the drawing? Curator: Consider the negative space surrounding her. There's emptiness there. Also, think of the period, where female artists were breaking free, asserting themselves – yet constrained by societal expectations. Is that confidence or resolve? What symbols might they imbue a self-portrait with in a society that stifled them? Editor: So the act of looking up could represent both aspiration and a certain imprisonment... The symbolism feels incredibly relevant to an era of growing feminist awareness! It’s certainly given me a new appreciation for the context. Curator: Exactly. Artworks become containers of memory and reflection, when one excavates, even a study of a head speaks across the ages.