Laura III 

Léonor Fini created this watercolor work, "Laura III," as part of her broader exploration of identity and representation. Fini, who often challenged conventional gender roles, produced art that delves into the complexities of female subjectivity. Here, in what could be described as an anti-portrait, Fini gives us Laura, but only just. Barely there, she emerges, or perhaps dissolves into the ground of the paper. The blue smudges where the eyes should be, and the wet, raw gash of the mouth suggest the cost of visibility for women. Fini's portraits often challenged traditional representations of women in art. "I have never painted dreams. What I painted was my reality," Fini once stated, which provides insight into her intent to portray the lived experiences of women. This piece reflects societal expectations of beauty and femininity, while also capturing vulnerability and strength. Fini uses the emotional and personal dimensions of portraiture to shape societal issues and challenge preconceived notions of identity.