Black Widow 

This is Stanley Artgerm Lau’s representation of Black Widow created sometime in the 20th century. The Black Widow character was created during the Cold War, and she reflects some of the anxieties surrounding espionage. In Lau’s interpretation, she is a hyper-sexualized figure, with a plunging neckline that puts her femininity at odds with her weapons. The male gaze is clearly present, and her pose could be read as an invitation, were it not for the sniper rifle she holds. The character's story is rooted in the Soviet Union, an origin Lau only hints at in her costume, which is an interesting development given the West's frequent association of Russia with an idea of the hyper-feminine. Here, the artist seems to be exploring the complexities of gender, power, and identity in a global context. While Black Widow is portrayed as strong and capable, the image raises questions about the representation of women in popular culture and the way they are often objectified.