Portret van een onbekend meisje Possibly 1913 - 1917

Chris Lebeau created this portrait of an unknown girl in 1913 using graphite. Lebeau was active in the Netherlands during a time of shifting cultural identities. The girl's profile, rendered in delicate detail, invites us to consider her place in society. The headband and simple necklace suggest a Bohemian or unconventional upbringing, contrasting with the more formal portraiture styles of the time. What does it mean to capture the likeness of someone whose identity remains a mystery? Perhaps Lebeau sought to emphasize the universal experience of girlhood, of being on the cusp of adulthood, rather than the individual identity of the sitter. Consider how the artist has chosen to portray her, not as a symbol of wealth or status, but as an individual with a quiet, contemplative presence. This image resonates with a sense of longing and introspection, reminding us of the complexities inherent in portraying identity.