Portrait of Sibylla Müller-Kleyling 1867

Arnold Böcklin painted this portrait of Sibylla Müller-Kleyling, sometime in the mid to late 19th century. Böcklin, working in a period of rapid social change, often created works which reflected the shifting identities and roles within European society. Here, the somber tones and serious expression of the sitter convey a sense of the gravity and expectations placed upon women of her time. Sibylla's clothing and adornments speak to her status and role within society, yet her gaze suggests a depth of character that transcends societal norms. Her identity appears both molded by and resistant to the conventions of her era. Böcklin's decision to portray Sibylla with such directness invites us to consider the multifaceted nature of female identity in a time of transformation. The portrait serves as a reminder of the individual spirit that persists even within the confines of social expectations.