The Dark Fleece 1918

Dean Cornwell created this oil painting, "The Dark Fleece", during a time of significant social change. Here we see a woman in an elaborate gown, contrasted against a man in formal attire. It is evident that they are from a certain social class, an elite one. The scene evokes a sense of theatricality. The title itself, "The Dark Fleece", hints at hidden motives and veiled intentions. In terms of the male figure, we might see him as a depiction of masculinity. Cornwell’s work invites us to consider the dynamics of power and identity within social hierarchies. We can read into the gender dynamics that play out in the painting and the racial undertones that add layers of complexity to the encounter. "The Dark Fleece" captures the emotional tension that is generated during social interactions during the late 19th, early 20th century.