Kvinde med lorgnet 1909

J.A. Jerichau (II) made this sketch, "Kvinde med lorgnet," sometime around 1909. Born into a family of artists in Denmark, Jerichau's life was cut short when he died at age 26. Here, we see a woman portrayed with a lorgnette, or pair of spectacles, a symbol of sophistication and status in the early 20th century. Note the woman's elaborate hat and her composed, almost stoic expression. The sketch is made with delicate lines, yet it conveys a sense of the woman's presence and character. Consider how Jerichau, a young artist from a privileged background, chooses to depict this woman. Is he simply capturing her likeness, or is there a subtle commentary on class, age, or gender roles embedded within the lines of the drawing? The sketch opens a window into a world of social expectations and individual identity.