Young Woman Reading n.d.

"Young Woman Reading" is an anonymous drawing created in an oval frame. The figure is depicted in a three-quarter view, with the woman's head turned slightly downward as she reads. The artist used delicate lines and shading to depict the woman's dress and the folds of her garments. This drawing is a fine example of the use of a classical subject, the act of reading, to create a subtle and intimate portrait. The drawing's small size, characteristic of many sketches, adds to the feeling of intimacy. The use of an oval frame, a popular choice for portraits in the 17th and 18th centuries, further enhances the sense of the drawing's intimacy and elegance. This artwork is located at The Art Institute of Chicago.