Who painted Lesendes Mädchen?

Lesendes Mädchen was painted by R. Turner in 1911.

Where can I see Lesendes Mädchen?

Lesendes Mädchen is held by City Museums Freiburg.

Artwork

Lesendes Mädchen

R. Turner , 1911

Lesendes Mädchen is a print by R. Turner. It dates from 1911 and is held in the collection of the City Museums Freiburg. The work depicts a young girl seated with an illustrated book, a shaft of light falling across her head and shoulders.

About this work

Overview

The work depicts a young girl seated with an illustrated book, a shaft of light falling across her head and shoulders. The illumination creates a tranquil atmosphere, emphasizing her concentration and the quiet reverence of the moment. The composition is simple, focusing on the figure and the interplay of light and shadow.

Subject & Meaning

The girl appears absorbed in reading, suggesting a scene of personal devotion or contemplation. The gentle glow on her head may symbolize enlightenment or spiritual insight, reinforcing the theme of a child’s prayerful engagement with a sacred text. The overall mood conveys serenity and introspection.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between illuminated areas and deep shadows to model the figure and suggest volume. The delicate rendering of the book’s illustrations and the soft gradation of light demonstrate a careful handling of tone, typical of 19th‑century academic drawing practices.

History & Provenance

The composition is based on an earlier engraving titled “Kindliches Gebet” (A Child’s Prayer) by Marie Ellenrieder, a court painter for Baden. Ellenrieder’s print was dedicated to Bernhard Boll, the first archbishop of Freiburg, linking the image to ecclesiastical patronage of the period.