Study for Fiametta’s Song 

Edwin Austin Abbey created "Study for Fiametta’s Song" using pencil and pastel to capture a moment of narrative depth. Abbey, working in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often drew inspiration from historical literature and events, reflecting a Victorian interest in romantic and idealized depictions of the past. Here, Fiametta, a character from Boccaccio's "The Decameron," stands draped in soft light, her expression suggesting both contemplation and quiet strength. The delicate use of pastel brings forward the subject’s subtle emotional state. Abbey does not depict women as passive figures, but rather, active participants within their own stories. As you look at the artwork, consider how Abbey uses light and shadow to convey the inner life of Fiametta. This piece invites us to reflect on the complex identities of women in historical narratives and their emotional landscapes.