Court of the Four Seasons, Panama-Pacific Fair, San Francisco 1915

Gertrude Partington Albright made this etching of the Court of the Four Seasons at the Panama-Pacific Fair in San Francisco. Albright, as a woman artist in the early 20th century, navigated a field where recognition and opportunities were often limited by gender biases. The Panama-Pacific Fair itself was a symbol of progress and modernity, intended to showcase San Francisco's recovery after the devastating 1906 earthquake, whilst also celebrating the opening of the Panama Canal. Albright captures the fair's grandeur, but there’s also a quiet, reflective quality to this print. The shimmering reflection of the Court in the water creates an almost dreamlike atmosphere, inviting contemplation on themes of rebirth, resilience, and the passage of time. This artwork functions as both a historical document and a personal reflection on the cultural ambitions and societal changes of its era.