Woman Science 

Eugène Grasset created this print titled "Woman Science", around the turn of the 20th century, a period marked by both scientific advancement and persistent gender inequality. Here, Grasset personifies science as a woman, an allegorical figure who embodies knowledge and inquiry. Yet her classical drapery and serene expression contrast sharply with the active pursuit of scientific discovery, a field historically dominated by men. She holds a sphere in one hand and a compass in the other, symbols of the mathematical precision underpinning scientific thought. In this image, Grasset seems to be asking whether traditional representations of women can accommodate the evolving roles of women in modern society. Does this image challenge or reinforce traditional notions of femininity? Perhaps it acknowledges women's growing presence in scientific fields while still confining them to idealized roles. The inclusion of a skull could be read as a reminder of the limits of human knowledge. This piece invites us to consider the complex interplay of gender, knowledge, and power.