Kunstnerens søster Elizabeth. 3/4 profil til højre 1866 - 1869

This subtle sketch of the artist’s sister, Elizabeth, was created by Kristian Zahrtmann using graphite on paper. Note the averted gaze, a motif resonating through time. It’s reminiscent of countless depictions of saints in devotional panels or the melancholic figures of Renaissance portraits. This downward glance, laden with introspection, appears in various guises across cultures. Consider its echoes in ancient Greek sculptures of mourning figures, or even in the contemplative poses of Buddhist monks. The averted gaze speaks to a profound sense of introspection and emotional withdrawal. Perhaps the artist aimed to capture Elizabeth in a moment of personal contemplation, removed from the external world, inviting us to ponder the depths of the human psyche and its quiet, internal dramas. This image captures a powerful engagement with the viewer at a subconscious level.