Truth Lies at the Bottom of the Well 1915

Frances Macdonald created the watercolor *Truth Lies at the Bottom of the Well* during the late 19th and early 20th century, a period of immense social and artistic change. Macdonald was part of the Glasgow School, a movement that often explored themes of spirituality and the feminine experience. Here, Macdonald delves into the complexities of truth and silence, placing female figures at the center of this quest. Note the juxtaposition of the ethereal women emerging from the well, signaling silence, with the reclining figure below. The scene evokes a sense of mystery, inviting contemplation on hidden narratives. Macdonald, like many women artists of her time, navigated a male-dominated art world. Her work often provided a space to explore female identity and challenge prevailing social norms. The title itself suggests that truth is not easily accessible, but rather lies in the depths, waiting to be discovered. The emotional resonance of the artwork lies in its ability to evoke both a sense of tranquility and unease, a reflection perhaps of the artist's own search for meaning and expression in a world undergoing rapid transformation.