Study for portrait of unknown woman 

Maurice Quentin de La Tour made this pastel drawing, "Study for portrait of unknown woman," during the 18th century, a time when portraiture was a declaration of social standing. Looking at the woman’s soft features and gentle gaze, we can imagine the narrative of women during this time, when their identities were often tied to their beauty and social graces. The delicacy of the pastel medium emphasizes the subject's porcelain skin and lends an ethereal quality to the portrait, enhancing the emotional connection with the viewer. This study challenges the traditional representation of women. Her gaze is directed away, suggesting thoughtfulness or introspection, developing a narrative beyond mere physical appearance. De La Tour's study invites us to consider the silent stories of women from the past, reflecting on the complexities of identity and representation across history.