Amerling’s genre paintings are seldom of large-scale scenes, and they usually refrain from any sort of moralisation. In this example, too, the mood is set by nothing more than facial expression and gesture, supported by a few props. The veil of black lace frames the girl’s fine features and puts her in just the right light. [Liechtenstein Museum, Vienna - Oil on canvas, 55 x 45 cm]

“‘Passion has often worn our wandering hearts.’“ - W. B. Yeats in “Ephemera”