#32684 Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a young girl, seemingly no older than ten, standing in a vertical composition. She is burdened with carrying a sleeping infant wrapped in blue cloth. The childs head rests against her shoulder, suggesting a profound dependence and vulnerability. The girl herself wears a dark hat adorned with a single red flower, an incongruous detail that hints at a lost sense of dignity or perhaps a desperate attempt to maintain some semblance of normalcy amidst hardship.
Her clothing is simple and worn, the fabric appearing faded and ill-fitting. A dark shawl drapes around her shoulders, its fringed edges adding to the overall impression of poverty and neglect. The girl’s bare feet are exposed, further emphasizing her lack of resources and connection to a harsh environment. Her gaze is directed forward, but it lacks animation; theres an unsettling stillness in her expression that conveys exhaustion and resignation rather than defiance or hope.
The background is indistinct, rendered in muted tones that contribute to the drawing’s somber atmosphere. The lack of detail focuses attention entirely on the figures themselves, amplifying their isolation.
Subtly, the artist uses light and shadow to highlight the girls gaunt features and the weight she carries both literally and figuratively. The red flower serves as a poignant counterpoint to the drabness surrounding her, possibly symbolizing lost innocence or a yearning for something beyond her current circumstances. The sleeping infant introduces an element of tenderness within this scene of deprivation, suggesting that even in the face of adversity, maternal instinct and care endure. Overall, the drawing evokes themes of poverty, responsibility, and the quiet suffering experienced by those marginalized by society.