"The Farewell" 1795 - 1860

Johannes Riepenhausen created this ink and watercolor wash on paper called "The Farewell" in the early 19th century. It depicts a scene of departure, tinged with the melancholy that was in vogue at the time. Set against the backdrop of early 19th-century Europe, this artwork invites us to consider the era's fascination with classical antiquity. Riepenhausen, working within the Neoclassical style, evokes a mythic past where themes of heroism and sorrow were often explored through a gendered lens. The figures, draped in classical robes, embody archetypes of masculine strength and feminine vulnerability. As the hero departs, notice the women and children left behind, their expressions conveying grief. It prompts us to think about the gendered expectations of the time. Men were celebrated for exploration, while women were relegated to domestic roles, their narratives often overlooked. The emotional resonance of "The Farewell" lies in its ability to tap into our shared human experiences of loss, separation, and the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye.