Amor with a Victim 1918

Gerda Wegener made this illustration of Amor with a Victim, possibly using watercolour and ink. It’s giving Art Deco by way of Aubrey Beardsley, so I imagine her in Paris, working quickly, with a sense of humour. The palette is pretty restrained; the composition is built from delicate lines and washes of yellow, blue, and pink. Wegener deploys the bare minimum of marks to conjure up the scene. Look at the confident yet whimsical line that defines the skirt! I like to think she was giggling when she painted the Cupid figure, which is both cute and creepy. You can sense her relish at depicting this little imp of love hiding amongst the strange rose-like bushes, ready to strike. All the while, the elegant lady has no clue, just enjoying a nice day out! Ultimately, Wegener’s unique take on love’s playful cruelty resonates across time, adding to an ongoing artistic conversation.