Portrait of a Young Woman 1875 - 1922

Suze Robertson captured this portrait of a young woman with oils, revealing profound depths. The subject’s averted gaze speaks volumes, echoing the ‘pudica’ pose found in classical sculptures, where modesty and a sense of vulnerability are conveyed through lowered eyes. This gesture reappears across centuries. Think of medieval depictions of the Virgin Mary, eyes downcast in humble piety. It evolves, doesn’t it? What was once purely religious becomes secular, yet the underlying emotional current remains. The bowed head, for instance, persists as a symbol of introspection, or even submission, in countless portraits. The dark background amplifies the psychological intensity. It is as if the young woman emerges from the shadows of our collective memory, prompting us to confront the ever-shifting masks of femininity. This image is a reminder of the cyclical nature of symbols, their ability to transcend time, and the enduring power of simple gestures to evoke complex emotions.