Untitled 

Harrison Fisher, an American artist who lived between 1877 and 1934, made this watercolor painting of a woman, date unknown. During this time, the ideal woman was often depicted as youthful, white, and upper class. In the painting, a fair-skinned woman elegantly poses in a purple gown with white gloves and a large hat adorned with feathers. She sits in an ornate gold chair, holding a dark fan. Her gaze is soft, and her posture exudes refinement. It is difficult to extract this image from its original historical context where it was more than likely used for advertising, as illustrations in novels, or to depict an “ideal” type of beauty. Fisher’s art catered to the aspirations of a society that placed a high value on appearances and social class. This piece provides insight into the beauty standards that were pervasive in the early 20th century, and the complex dynamics of identity and representation.