Melancholy 

Albert von Keller painted ‘Melancholy’ in Germany, though the exact date of its creation remains unknown. This evocative portrait offers a glimpse into the cultural fascination with interiority during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The closed eyes of the sitter create a barrier to the outside world, inviting viewers to contemplate her inner thoughts and feelings. In a society undergoing rapid industrialization and social change, there was growing interest in exploring the complexities of human experience. The image, with its muted color palette, reinforces the sense of introspection and emotional depth. Keller was closely connected to the Munich Academy, a powerful institution that shaped artistic trends. To better understand the artwork, we might explore his connections with the cultural elite of Munich and study the influence of institutions that shape artistic expression. This unveils the meanings of art, dependent on the social and institutional contexts.