A Damsel of Prague in Sunday's Clothes

Before you is "A Damsel of Prague in Sunday's Clothes," a delicate pencil drawing by Robert Smirke, dating back to 1804. This charming piece, measuring a compact 12.1 centimeters by 19.2 centimeters, is part of the esteemed collection at the Yale Center for British Art. nn The drawing offers a captivating glimpse into the past. We see a woman from behind, her figure elegantly captured from the knees upward. She is dressed in a long, flowing skirt and a bodice with a high neckline, suggesting a traditional style of dress. Notice the subtle details—the artist has even noted in pencil that her jacket is blue, her stock red, collar white, and shoes black, demonstrating a keen eye for accurate observation. Her head is modestly covered by a head covering that falls to her shoulders. Adding a touch of whimsy, a small, sketchy bird, perhaps a dove, is lightly sketched in the upper right corner. nn Smirke's style is remarkably loose and suggestive, capturing the essence of the costume rather than focusing on minute details. The drawing is executed in soft shades of grey, typical of pencil work, creating a gentle and understated mood. The overall impression is one of a quick, observational sketch, yet it beautifully conveys the character and style of the clothing, revealing the artist's interest in documenting the specifics of traditional attire.