Sketch of a Woman in Profile 19th-20th century

Editor: Here we have Louis Michel Eilshemius' "Sketch of a Woman in Profile" from the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a delicate pencil drawing and I’m struck by how the woman's modest dress and averted gaze seem to convey a sense of constraint. What story do you think this sketch tells? Curator: It's fascinating to consider how this image might function within the social context of its time. Eilshemius' choice to depict a woman in such a way - the dress, the profile, the lack of direct engagement - prompts questions about the artist’s perspective and the prevailing societal views on women. What do you think the artist might be trying to express about the role of women in society? Editor: That’s a good question. I guess I had not thought about it that way. Thank you for broadening my perspective. Curator: Of course. It’s crucial to consider how art reflects and shapes our understanding of history and social dynamics.