Romona 

Fritz Scholder created this image, Romona, using lithography. The composition is strikingly simple: a woman with golden hair emerges from a dark, framed background. Here we see the symbol of the 'femme fatale', a motif that recurs throughout art history. The contrast between her radiant hair and the somber background echoes the opposition of light and darkness, a timeless theme explored by artists across cultures. Think of Klimt's golden portraits or even earlier, Byzantine mosaics where light symbolizes divinity. The face, stark and almost mask-like, engages us directly, holding our gaze with an intensity that bypasses mere representation. This archetype of feminine allure, shadowed by an aura of mystery, is not new. It carries echoes of Lilith, or Eve, figures embodying both temptation and profound knowledge. Scholder taps into a deep well of collective memory, reminding us that these symbols are never truly static, constantly evolving and reflecting our innermost fears and desires.