Portret van een vrouw Possibly 1838

Michel Mourot created this portrait of a woman using graphite on paper in the early 19th century. During this period, portraiture was very popular amongst the rising middle classes. This work provides insight into gender and class during the 1800s. The woman is elegantly dressed and appears serene, embodying the era’s ideals of feminine virtue and domesticity. However, her gaze also carries a hint of introspection, perhaps hinting at the limited opportunities afforded to women at the time. Mourot's technique captures the texture of her clothing and the soft curls framing her face, giving the portrait an intimate and lifelike quality. While the portrait adheres to conventional representations of women, it also evokes a sense of the individual's inner life, inviting us to consider her personal experiences and emotions within the constraints of her time.