Portrait Of Miss Barbara De Selincourt 

Herbert James Draper created this portrait of Miss Barbara De Selincourt during a time when society's expectations for young women were highly defined. Draper, associated with the late Pre-Raphaelite movement, often portrayed idealized figures, rooted in both classical and romantic traditions. In this image, Draper delicately balances the innocence of youth with the poised decorum expected of young women. The white dress, cinched with a lavender sash, suggests purity and grace. Yet, the subject's gaze and relaxed posture hint at an inner life, perhaps subtly challenging the restrictive roles imposed on women at the time. The chair becomes a prop, symbolizing both support and confinement. Draper captures a moment of transition. This portrait becomes a poignant reflection on the societal pressures young women faced and the quiet resistance they embodied.