This unidentified model, known as 'the lady' is the subject of a series of drawings from circa 1909-10. It is believed that she may be Maude Boughton-Leigh, known as Grilda, an artist friend of Gwen John who lived in Paris at that time and who had studied at the Slade. She was the sister of Ellen Theodosia (Chloe) Boughton-Leigh, the subject of three paintings by the artist, and a life-long friend.
(see C. Langdale, Gwen John, New Haven, 1987, pp.137, 194)