Mrs. Downman, sister-in-law of the artist 1776

This 1776 charcoal drawing by British artist John Downman depicts his sister-in-law, Mrs. Downman, in profile. The subject is shown wearing a white cap with a simple gown, the details of which are rendered with delicate strokes, revealing Downman's mastery of the medium. The portrait, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies Downman's skill in capturing likeness and conveying the sitter's quiet dignity. The simplicity of the composition and the delicate handling of the charcoal create a sense of intimacy.