Portrait of a Girl. Verso: The Frill c. 1908 - 1909

Curator: This is Julio Gonzalez's "Portrait of a Girl," a charcoal drawing on paper housed here at the Tate. Editor: There's an immediate softness to it; the charcoal lends itself to such delicate shading. The subject's gaze is quite striking. Curator: Gonzalez, known for his pioneering metal sculptures, also produced compelling drawings. This work offers a glimpse into early 20th century portraiture, reflecting an interest in capturing the sitter's inner life. Editor: I wonder about the girl. The high collar and the dark, voluminous hair suggest a certain social class. There's also a slight unease in her expression. I wonder what it was like for her, being a young woman in that era. Curator: It’s interesting to consider the power dynamics at play; the artist's gaze, and then ours, shaping how we perceive her. Editor: Yes, it's a reminder that even portraits are never neutral. Looking at the portrait today, there is a haunting, nostalgic quality. Curator: Absolutely, Gonzalez's drawing provides us with an intimate look at a moment in time, and a young woman forever captured on paper.