Portrait Head of a Girl c. 19th century

Curator: The artwork before us is Franz von Lenbach's "Portrait Head of a Girl," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There's a melancholy to her expression, isn’t there? Her eyes seem to hold a weight beyond her years. Curator: Lenbach was a portraitist of considerable renown in his time, often capturing the likenesses of notable figures. This piece, however, lacks the same formal trappings. Editor: Perhaps it is the lack of context which imbues the image with such symbolic potential; this young girl could be anyone, in any era, faced with a vague sense of sorrow. It speaks to the universality of feeling. Curator: Indeed, that absence of specific social markers allows for a broader engagement. Lenbach's technique also reflects a certain trend in portraiture, moving away from strict realism. Editor: It’s a portrait of feeling rather than just appearance; it's the vulnerability that truly resonates. Curator: Ultimately, the portrait gives us a glimpse into the changing landscape of portraiture, from representation to a more subjective interpretation. Editor: It leaves one with a lingering sense of empathy, a reminder of the quiet sorrows we all carry.