Helene Schlapp 

John Duncan painted this portrait of Helene Schlapp in 1888. Duncan was a Scottish Symbolist painter, part of a broader movement that rejected the industrial age and sought spiritual meaning in myth and folklore. This painting encapsulates the movement's desire to find beauty and transcendence. Duncan’s style is influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites, who looked to early Italian art for inspiration. Consider the detail in Helene’s flowing hair and the idealized representation of her profile, which evokes a sense of timeless beauty. Duncan was deeply influenced by Celtic culture and spirituality. We might ask, does this painting reflect a distinctly Scottish form of Symbolism? Historians analyze visual art by exploring archives, letters, and other period documents. By looking at the cultural and institutional context, we can better understand the complex meanings of art.