All Souls' Day 

Jakub Schikaneder painted 'All Souls’ Day' in oil on canvas, and though the exact date is unknown, it likely dates to the late 19th or early 20th century. This work presents a solitary figure in mourning, set against a somber, autumnal landscape. The visual codes here evoke the emotional and cultural context of remembrance, a central theme of All Souls' Day. Painted in Bohemia, now the Czech Republic, at a time of rapid social and industrial change, this image reflects the concerns of the period. The aging woman reminds us of the era’s social realities, including poverty and the struggles of the elderly. The institutional history of art in Bohemia during this period reveals a tension between traditional academic styles and emerging modern movements. Schikaneder's work reflects this tension. To fully appreciate Schikaneder's paintings, we might look to historical records, literature, and social studies that describe the lives of ordinary people in Bohemia during his time. By understanding the social and institutional context in which art is created, we can gain deeper insights into its meaning and significance.