A large, sensitively observed pencil portrait with the subject's name inscribed alongside Sidney's signature — the inscription appears to read "Jessica" — making this the second named portrait subject in the collection alongside Rev. John (531). A woman in profile, her face turned to the right, is rendered with some of Sidney's finest pencil work: the sharp, angular profile with a distinctive prominent nose is drawn without flattery but with complete respect, the face's specific structure honored rather than idealized.
The hair is the most technically accomplished element — a mass of wavy hair, the individual waves rendered in long continuous marks that convey both the hair's direction and its volume. The ear, visible through the hair, is described with the botanical care Sidney brought to all ears.
The torso below the neck begins with bare shoulders, then transitions to a jacket or top indicated by a single horizontal line and a few marks suggesting fabric. The sleeve-less quality and the neckline suggest an informal or studio setting.
As with Rev. John, the named inscription invites biographical questions: who was Jessica? A model who came repeatedly to the studio? A friend? Someone whose face Sidney drew more than once? The name suggests a relationship of sufficient familiarity to move beyond the anonymity of most life drawing subjects.