Louise Olgin 

Augustus John captured Louise Olgin on canvas with oil paints, presenting her in a striking green hat adorned with a curious motif. Consider the hat—a symbol of status and identity throughout history. Here, its vibrant green hints at nature and vitality, yet the dark embellishment bears a serpentine form. Snakes often embody duality: life and death, wisdom and temptation. Think of the serpent in the Garden of Eden, or the healing staff of Asclepius. Its presence here introduces a complex layer, perhaps reflecting the sitter’s enigmatic nature. This motif echoes through art history, resurfacing in various guises. Even in ancient Minoan art, snakes were associated with female deities and power. Such symbols connect us across time, weaving a tapestry of shared human experience. The painting’s emotional power lies in this interplay, engaging our subconscious as we decode its timeless messages.