La Cigale 1881

Frederick Arthur Bridgman's 1881 painting "La Cigale" depicts a young woman holding a lute, symbolizing the carefree nature of the cicada in the well-known French fable. The woman's youthful appearance and delicate features contrast with the more mature and solemn figure of a second woman seen through an arched window, who also holds a lute. The inclusion of masks in the foreground adds a layer of symbolism, possibly suggesting the transient nature of youth and beauty. The painting is a visual representation of the La Fontaine fable, highlighting the themes of prudence and foresight.