Meisje kijkt bedroefd naar omgevallen ton met melk 1786

"The Distressed Girl" is a mezzotint by Scottish artist John Young, created in 1786. The print depicts a young girl, likely a milkmaid, who has accidentally overturned her pail of milk, leaving her distraught and in a state of despair. The spilled milk, the overturned pail, and the girl's dejected posture all contribute to the sense of loss and misfortune captured in this evocative work. The image of the distressed girl, with her head in her hands and her body slumped, evokes feelings of empathy and sorrow. This work is a prime example of the sentimentalism movement of the 18th century, where depictions of emotional distress were used to evoke a strong emotional response from the viewer.