Portret van jonge vrouw Possibly 1895 - 1898

This is Theo van Rysselberghe’s portrait of a young woman, made with crayon. Van Rysselberghe was a Belgian painter, draughtsman, and lithographer, known for his key role in the European Neo-Impressionist movement. Portret van jonge vrouw carries an emotional weight. Made at a time of shifting social norms, this portrait captures the tension between traditional expectations and a burgeoning sense of female autonomy. The woman's gaze carries a hint of melancholy. Is it a reflection of the limited opportunities afforded to women during this period? Or does it embody a quiet defiance? Portraits like this provided artists with an avenue to reflect on the changing roles of women in society. They capture women's struggle between the restrictive norms of the time, and their desire for individuality and freedom. The woman's disheveled hair suggests a move away from conventional, stylized representation. The portrait evokes a sense of introspection, inviting us to consider the complex internal lives of women navigating a world in transition.