Ramsay produced this drawing just after he and his wife returned to Scotland from his second visit to Italy. In Italy Ramsay made numerous drawings, including studies after the old masters, in an attempt to integrate something of their gracefulness into his own work. Ramsay’s drawing style became more delicate and precise, which was often lost when the image was replicated in paint. He also attended the French Academy in Rome where he practiced drawing from life. Following his Italian experience, Ramsay painted a number of exceptionally delicate female portraits. This drawing shows his interest in capturing the detail and elegant pose of his sitters, which he achieved through a remarkably economic use of line.