Portrait of a Japanese girl 1919

Alexandre Jacovleff sketched this portrait of a young Japanese girl, likely with charcoal and sanguine. Her traditional kimono, with its wide obi, speaks volumes about cultural identity and the weight of tradition. Consider the motif of the folded hands. This gesture echoes across centuries, from ancient Egyptian sculptures to Renaissance portraits, each time subtly shifting in meaning. Here, it perhaps suggests modesty and composure. The artist also includes a series of symbols, cross-like shapes, that could represent the blending of different cultural influences in Japan during the early 20th century. This image resonates with a quiet intensity, a psychological depth that transcends mere representation. It invites us to contemplate the layers of history embedded in a single, fleeting moment. It reflects the non-linear endurance of symbols, their constant adaptation, and their power to evoke emotions across epochs.