Who Is That Person? Image 11

At first glance, portrait number eleven appears to be rather nondescript and distinctly unremarkable. However, closer observation of the subject’s features and attire may give insight into the girl’s personality and circumstances. The girl in question looks to be somewhere between fifteen and twenty years of age. The painting is obviously dated, if her old-fashioned attire is any indication. I get the impression that this is a young woman who possesses little control over her life. She is quite posed but looks rather forlorn. An aura surrounds her that suggests that of one who is unloved or even outcast from social norms. Her pale features and stark attire lend to the impression of meekness.

The features that draw my attention the most and appear to be the focal point of the piece are the girl’s eyes. They are abnormally large and have an almost eerie look about them. The enlarged eyes are disproportionate to the rest of her face. There is a pleading look that emanates from those eyes as they stare directly at the observer. Her left and right eyes differ in size and cause her face to look unbalanced and rather odd. However, despite all of this, there is a small note of defiance there that reflects a degree of uniqueness despite forced conformity.

In stark contrast to the young woman’s striking eyes are her dark under-eye shadows and pale complexion. These features cause the girl to look tired and a little ill. It is therefore suggested that the subject has had few comforts in her life.

The girl’s large eyes and nose serve to downplay her significantly smaller mouth. The pale lips are barely noticeable and are firmly shut, supporting the idea of being “seen and not heard.”

In addition to her facial features, her manner of dress is wholly austere and proper. The conservative, high-buttoned collar, muted colors, and severe hairstyle are indicative of discipline and propriety. Interestingly, her attire is not very womanly and instead of clutching flower so some such feminine accessory, she holds a book. Perhaps this deviation from the norm indicates a certain nonconformity to the female pursuits of the time.

A book is held open by a pale hand in the lower left corner of the portrait. This book could present alternate insights into the subject’s character. For one thing the book is red, a color that stands alone in the muted scheme of the painting. A bible of some sort would seem fitting, as an emphasis to a pious nature. I believe that it is more likely to be some sort of literature. Reading can be an escape from reality and having a book in the portrait suggests an introspective nature.

I feel that there is much more to this girl than meets the eye. Beneath a meek and submissive exterior there is a young woman who longs for more out of life. She is governed by a strict regime and appears to have received little love. Despite all of this there is a quiet intelligence that exists beneath her stifled persona. She is down-to-earth but has had little means in which to express herself. As her lasting portrait reflects, she remains eternally trapped in the cage that life and society has placed around her.