Bauernmädchen im verlorenen Profil, an einem Stuhl stehend 

This is Benjamin Vautier’s pencil drawing of a peasant girl, likely made in the mid-19th century. The girl stands in lost profile, with a humble chair as her only companion. Vautier lived during a time of significant social change, with the rise of industrialization reshaping traditional rural life. His work often romanticized peasant culture, presenting an idealized view of rural communities. The artist seems to be inviting us to engage with a figure who may have been overlooked, a member of the working class. The girl’s downcast gaze evokes a sense of melancholy. Is she shy, pensive, or simply weary from her labor? Vautier leaves us to ponder her inner world. By depicting a young woman in such a simple, intimate manner, Vautier quietly challenges the established norms of portraiture. He shifts focus from the wealthy and powerful to those whose stories often went untold. This drawing invites reflection on the value and dignity of everyday lives.