Head of a woman

Drawings by Strudwick are rare. His style is as distinctive as that of his mentor Burne-Jones, for whom he worked as a studio assistant after Royal Academy training. He also assisted Spencer Stanhope. His work is very linear and almost sculptural - a preference for sharp contours and ornate surfaces that he perhaps inherited from Stanhope. His draughtsmanship, however, tends to be finer and his faces prettier. Strudwick specialised in mythological and allegorical subjects, one of which, Isabella was sold at Christie's, London, 28 November 2001, lot 2, £443,750.

It has been suggested that the model is Maria Zambaco who sat for Burne-Jones and his circle, including Strudwick.