Woman ‘s Head 1857 - 1858

Ferdinand von Wright painted this oil on canvas titled, Woman’s Head, sometime in the 19th century. Born in Finland, von Wright’s artistic production coincided with the rise of nationalism and romanticism. His body of work is known for its depictions of nature, especially birds, yet this portrait of a woman stands apart from his well known repertoire. Painted in neutral tones, the serene expression of the sitter evokes a sense of timelessness and ideal beauty. The closed eyes invite introspection, but also conceal the subject’s individuality and internal life. It makes you wonder about the politics of representation in a time when women’s roles were highly circumscribed by social expectations. The portrait encourages us to consider the dynamics of seeing and being seen, while reflecting on the complex interplay between art, identity, and societal norms.