A pious woman, in bust-length, three-quarter view, with head raised to the upper right 1675 - 1725

This anonymous 17th-century drawing of a pious woman, on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a beautiful example of a bust-length portrait in three-quarter view. The woman's head is raised to the upper right, her eyes looking upwards in a gesture of devotion, creating a sense of reverent contemplation in the viewer. Executed in delicate strokes of graphite, this piece showcases the artist's masterful handling of light and shadow, contributing to the expressive quality of the work. The subtle lines and subtle shading create a sense of depth and dimension, further emphasizing the figure's piety and devotion.