Jane 

This is Fernanda Suarez’s portrait of Jane, made sometime in the 20th century, a depiction rich with symbolism. Consider her attire: a yellow dress, reminiscent of enlightenment and intellectual pursuit, set against a backdrop of lush, green foliage. The dress evokes images of explorers and scholars venturing into the unknown, documenting their findings. The leafy earrings are a stark contrast with her Western clothes, suggesting a connection with nature and a departure from conventional norms. The book she holds features her initials. Personal identity is therefore linked with the power of the written word. Just as the ancient Egyptians believed that writing gave immortality, Jane's book symbolizes her desire to understand and be remembered, a notion tied to our deepest fears of oblivion. This composition creates a visual paradox, inviting us to reflect on the interplay between civilization and the wild, knowledge and instinct.