Daughter of William Page (Probably Mary Page) 1837 - 1840

William Page’s oil painting depicts a young girl, likely his daughter Mary, gazing pensively into the distance. The blue ribbon adorning her hair, a symbol of purity and innocence, contrasts with the somber mood evoked by her expression. This ribbon, a seemingly simple adornment, echoes through centuries, appearing in portraits of young women from Renaissance Madonnas to pre-Raphaelite muses. The color blue itself, often associated with the Virgin Mary, adds layers of meaning, suggesting a connection to idealized femininity. The girl’s averted gaze stirs a sense of melancholy and introspection. This gesture, employed by artists across time, taps into a deep well of human emotion, reflecting our shared experiences of longing, contemplation, and the ephemeral nature of childhood. It's a powerful reminder of how symbols persist, evolve, and continue to resonate within our collective memory.