Red Riding Hood: Red Riding Hood Knocks at Her Grandmother's Door c. 19th century

Editor: This is Edward Martin Taber's "Red Riding Hood: Red Riding Hood Knocks at Her Grandmother's Door," held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a delicate rendering; the lines are so fine. What kind of hidden meanings do you think this image may be trying to convey? Curator: The image is deceptively simple. Consider the gnarled tree on the left, almost skeletal. Doesn't it stand as a stark contrast to the innocent girl? It might symbolize the dangers lurking just outside the doorway of domesticity. Editor: That's fascinating. So, the tree is a warning? Curator: Perhaps a visual premonition. And notice how Red Riding Hood's figure almost blends into the shadows by the door. Are we seeing the blurring of innocence and something more sinister? What do you think? Editor: I hadn't considered that. I was so focused on the fairytale aspect, but now I see the deeper layers of symbolism. Thanks!