Adrienne Barre 1832

Rosario Weiss Zorrilla created this pencil drawing, entitled ‘Adrienne Barre’, during the 19th century, a time when women artists faced significant barriers in the art world. Zorrilla was the goddaughter and ward of Francisco Goya, and her work reflects his influence. In this drawing, we see a woman in a dress with large sleeves, absorbed in a book. Her identity as Adrienne Barre remains somewhat of a mystery. The image prompts us to consider the role of women in society during this era. Were they confined to domestic spaces and intellectual pursuits like reading? Or were they beginning to find new avenues for expression and agency? The act of reading itself can be viewed as an assertion of intellectual independence. It allows one access to knowledge and ideas that may have been otherwise restricted. Zorrilla, as a woman artist, defied social expectations by pursuing her artistic talents. This drawing captures a moment of quiet contemplation, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of female identity and experience.