Head of a Young Woman (Virginia Woolf?) 1895 - 1905

Augustus John created this sanguine drawing of a young woman, possibly Virginia Woolf, sometime in the early 20th century. John was known for his bohemian lifestyle and his portraits of intellectuals and artists. The sitter’s gaze is averted, but there is a sense of introspection and quiet strength. The drawing captures a moment of contemplation, reflecting the intellectual and artistic circles in which both John and Woolf moved. The Bloomsbury Group, to which Woolf belonged, challenged Victorian ideals, advocating for personal freedom and alternative social structures. John's loose, expressive lines give the portrait an immediacy that transcends traditional, idealized representations of women. Instead, it suggests a more complex and modern sensibility. This portrayal moves away from the conventional roles assigned to women, hinting at the emerging narratives of female empowerment and intellectual liberation. The intimate scale and soft rendering invite a personal connection, encouraging viewers to consider the inner life of the sitter and her place within a changing society.