The Sensitive Plant 1808

Maria Edgar created "The Sensitive Plant," a watercolor and graphite piece that presents us with a woman kneeling in what appears to be a carefully cultivated garden. The woman gently reaches towards a delicate plant, inviting us to contemplate themes of fragility and interaction. The choice of a sensitive plant as the central motif can be interpreted as a reflection on the societal expectations placed on women during Edgar’s time, where sensitivity was often seen as a defining trait. The presence of classical urns suggests an engagement with historical and artistic traditions, while the woman's posture and gesture evoke a sense of empathy. What does it mean to be sensitive, and how is that expressed? Through "The Sensitive Plant," Edgar prompts us to reflect on the emotional and social landscapes that shape our perceptions of ourselves and others.