Scenery from the Riviera 

Lili Elbe, a transgender woman and one of the first recipients of gender confirmation surgery, captures a sun-drenched vista in this painting, “Scenery from the Riviera.” Painted in the early 20th century, this work is a window into the artist's experience, set against the backdrop of a society undergoing massive cultural shifts and grappling with emerging understandings of identity and sexuality. Elbe’s choice of subject—a tranquil, almost dreamlike landscape—invites consideration of how identity is entwined with environment, and how both can be sources of solace and transformation. Her personal journey was fraught with challenges, yet in her art, we glimpse a world bathed in serenity. Here, nature isn't just scenery; it's a space of refuge, a realm where the constraints and judgments of society fade into the distance. Elbe’s paintings encourage us to embrace the fluidity of self and to find beauty in the landscapes—both internal and external—that nurture our identities.