Glimlachend meisje c. 1897

Armand Berton rendered this drawing of a smiling girl with an unknown medium, showcasing the interplay of light and shadow across the subject's face. The composition is structured by subtle gradations of tone, and the lack of vibrant color shifts our focus to the tonal variations and the subject’s expression. Berton's approach invites us to consider the structural relationship between what is visible and what remains veiled. We can interpret this drawing through the lens of semiotics, where the smile functions as a signifier of innocence and joy, yet the shadowy background destabilizes this simple reading, suggesting a complexity beneath the surface. The use of light not only models the subject's features but also obscures parts of her, creating a tension between revelation and concealment. The work prompts a deeper consideration of how appearances can both reveal and conceal truth, reminding us that art often exists in this complex interplay between what is shown and what is suggested. This subtle dynamic challenges viewers to engage actively with the image, seeking their own interpretation of the visual cues provided.