Pensive 1893

"Pensive" is a 1893 photograph by French photographer Pierre-Louis Pierson (1822-1913). The image, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts a woman in a contemplative pose, her hand resting on her cheek as she gazes off into the distance. Pierson's expertise in portraiture is evident in the nuanced portrayal of the subject's thoughtful expression and the intricate details of her attire, including her ornate pearl necklace. The photograph exemplifies the artistic mastery of portrait photography in the late 19th century.