Drie studies van een meisje 1860 - 1921

Adolf le Comte made this study of a girl with pen and ink, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. It gives us a glimpse into the visual culture of its time. Le Comte, who created decorative designs, here captures the innocence of childhood, while echoing the rigid class structures of the time. There is an undeniable tension between the intimate portrayal of his sitter and the social norms that defined her experience. Le Comte captures the girl in a way that feels both tender and detached. Each sketch reveals the constraints and expectations placed upon young girls in that era. We see not just a portrait, but a reflection of societal expectations. This work not only invites us to consider the dynamics of portraiture, but also serves as a poignant reminder of the historical forces that shape individual experience.