Woman in Profile Fixing Her Hair 1902

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen sketched "Woman in Profile Fixing Her Hair" using graphite, crayon, and pastel. The gesture of a woman arranging her hair—a motif laden with historical echoes—is central here. From ancient Venus figurines to Botticelli's Venus rising from the sea, this act has long been associated with beauty, sensuality, and self-awareness. Think of the Venus Pudica, a symbol of modesty, yet also undeniably alluring. The pose, with arms raised and hands attending to the hair, is a timeless echo found across cultures, but what does it reveal about the modern woman of Steinlen's time? Perhaps a deeper exploration of identity in a rapidly changing world. This simple, intimate act engages us on a subconscious level, a primal connection through shared human experiences. Thus, the motif of a woman arranging her hair resurfaces, a potent symbol continually reshaped by the currents of history and individual expression.