Hip picture of a girl (Marie Anker) 1881

Albrecht Anker, a Swiss artist known for his genre paintings of children, likely made this portrait of his daughter, Marie, sometime in the late 19th century. Anker was born in a time of significant social change across Europe, including evolving perceptions of childhood and education. Children moved from being seen as miniature adults into a separate category deserving of nurturing. Marie is depicted with braided hair, wearing a dark coat and hat, with a satchel slung over her shoulder. This outfit suggests a move toward new access to formal education for young women, expanding their traditional roles. Yet, the somber colors also hint at the strict social expectations and limitations placed on women during this period. Consider the subtle expression on Marie’s face. It is an expression both innocent and thoughtful, perhaps reflective of the changing, but still constrained, world she was entering. Anker captures a pivotal moment in her life, and in the lives of many young women of her time.