Reacting against the romanticism of Rodin, in whose studio he assisted for seven years, Despiau adopted a calmer, classical approach in his own work. Not well-known today, Despiau was among the most respected French sculptors between the wars. In an atmosphere of growing nationalism, conservative critics praised his brand of classicism as reflecting traditional French values of order and balance. The title refers to the girl's haircut, which hides her ears.

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