Portret van een jonge vrouw in profiel 1855 - 1892

Mosè di Giosué Bianchi created this portrait of a young woman in profile, likely near the turn of the 20th century, using watercolor to capture her likeness. The immediate impression is one of soft contours and muted contrasts. The oval composition, framing the subject tightly, draws our attention to the interplay between the deep red of her garment and the hazy green backdrop. Bianchi’s technique is particularly striking. Notice how the strokes blend almost imperceptibly, eschewing hard lines for a diffused, dreamlike quality. This was a deliberate choice, reflecting a broader artistic trend questioning clear representation. Instead, there is an emphasis on the subjective experience. The woman's form emerges through a combination of color and shadow, rather than precise detail. The gaze is directed inward. The portrait destabilizes traditional notions of identity, inviting us to consider how perception shapes our understanding. It emphasizes a sense of fleeting beauty and the transience of visual experience.