Kvindehoved i profil til venstre, skuldre og venstre arm 1819

Martinus Rørbye made this drawing of a woman's head in profile, with graphite on paper. The work is currently held at the Statens Museum for Kunst. The double image presents a puzzle. Is this a study for a larger work, or does it demonstrate an interest in the interplay between reality and representation? In Denmark, during Rørbye’s time, portraiture served as a powerful means of conveying social status and personal identity. The woman’s carefully styled hair, for example, speaks to prevailing ideals of beauty and femininity. To fully understand this work, scholars might consult contemporary fashion plates and conduct research into the social conventions that shaped the lives of women during this period. Such an approach reveals how this seemingly simple drawing reflects the complex interplay of social forces, cultural values, and institutional practices.