Zelfportret van Fanny Geefs-Corr 1840 - 1842

Fanny Geefs-Corr made this self-portrait in pencil sometime in the 19th century. It encapsulates the complex position of women within the artistic field of that era. Fanny Geefs-Corr, born in Belgium, defied social norms by pursuing a career as a painter, at a time when women’s opportunities were limited. Her delicate drawing style and subject matter align with prevailing tastes, but the very act of creating a self-portrait asserts her presence in a male-dominated art world. Note how she presents herself: dignified, yet approachable, perhaps reflecting her efforts to balance artistic ambition with societal expectations. To fully understand Geefs-Corr's work, we can delve into archival sources, exhibition records, and biographical accounts. These resources illuminate not only her artistic achievements but also the social and institutional obstacles she had to overcome. Studying Fanny Geefs-Corr helps us see how artistic expression is always shaped by its time.