Head of a Young Girl (Tete de jeune fille) 

Alphonse Legros created this drawing of a girl’s head sometime during his career that spanned much of the 19th century. The first impression is one of delicacy and quietude, achieved through the light tonality and the subject’s serene profile. Legros’s method relies on a network of fine lines, a technique reminiscent of etching, to build up form and shadow. The hatching and cross-hatching are particularly noticeable around the face, creating depth and volume. The girl's hair is described with a freer, more flowing line. This contrast animates the composition. Observe how Legros uses line not just to define shape but also to suggest texture and light. The overall effect is less about portraying a specific individual and more about capturing a sense of idealized beauty. It’s a study in how simple lines can evoke complex emotions and ideas. In its understated way, the work invites contemplation on the nature of beauty and representation.