Hoofd van een meisje 1855 - 1913

Xavier Mellery created this small print titled "Hoofd van een Meisje," or "Head of a Girl," using etching techniques. Mellery’s portrait of an anonymous girl draws us into the intimate realm of childhood, yet it also invites us to consider the lives of young girls during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this period, many girls navigated the complex intersections of poverty, education and societal expectation. Mellery, who was deeply rooted in Symbolism, seems less interested in traditional representations, and more in a subtle realism. The girl’s expression evokes both innocence and vulnerability. Mellery captures the girl’s gaze with such honesty. This image reflects societal norms and also resonates on a personal level, reminding us of the universal experiences of childhood and the challenges faced by young girls throughout history.