Standing Woman c. 19th century

Curator: What a delicate image. This is "Standing Woman," a tiny drawing by Rodolphe Bresdin. Editor: She seems so contained, almost self-consciously posed, yet sketched so quickly. Curator: Bresdin, born in 1822, was a master of detail despite working at this miniature scale. This work is only about 4 centimeters tall. Think about that—the skill required! Editor: The rapid lines speak to the labor involved. Bresdin probably favored immediacy and precision, given the size. Was this a study for something larger, perhaps? Curator: It’s hard to say. She has the air of a character from a fairy tale, maybe even representing the virtue of modesty, given the way she is posed and dressed. Editor: Or perhaps it’s a comment on the performance of femininity—the way women were expected to present themselves. Curator: A fascinating possibility. Bresdin’s woman leaves us with lingering questions. Editor: A tiny piece that makes you consider the weight of social expectation.