Kunstnerens søster, Elizabeth Zahrtmann, læsende 1866

Here we see Kristian Zahrtmann's sister, Elizabeth, captured in a pencil drawing of quiet contemplation. The act of reading, a window into the soul, has been depicted countless times throughout history. This image of a woman absorbed in reading calls to mind similar depictions across time, from ancient Egyptian tomb paintings showing scribes with papyrus scrolls to Renaissance portraits of noblewomen with prayer books. In each case, literacy is not merely an activity but a potent symbol. Consider how the book itself, clutched in Elizabeth's hands, has evolved from sacred object to a source of knowledge and power. The image is more than just a portrait; it's a silent, psychological study of introspection, resonating with our own deep-seated connection to the written word. It stirs something primal within us. The act of reading remains a potent symbol. Its meaning has not changed, but evolved, resurfacing throughout history in different contexts.