The Red Shawl 1922

Dean Cornwell painted this dramatic scene, titled "The Red Shawl," during the first half of the 20th century, a period marked by evolving social mores and heightened gender tensions. The woman, caught in a moment of distress, with her hand protectively at her chest, is a figure draped in a vibrant red shawl, a color often associated with passion and danger. The man looming over her, his expression intense, creates a palpable sense of unease. This image evokes questions about power dynamics and the vulnerability of women within intimate settings. It invites us to consider how women have been portrayed in art, often subject to the male gaze and depicted in scenes of emotional or physical distress. Cornwell’s work encourages reflection on the narratives we construct around gender and desire.