Rogier van der weyden's Portrait of a Young Woman c.1445
a cloth elaborated folded over the head around the neck,cheeks and chin to conceal a married woman's hair -worn in late medieval Europe-originally adopted by Western women as a result of the veiled Muslim women encountered by European men during the Crusades.
Raphaelle Peale's Venus Rising from the Sea- A Deception c.1823
The Peale painting alludes to the censure of artistic nudes in the United States in the early 19th century.
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The Peale painting is just up the street (metaphorically since we in the fly over zone have no concept of space) from me at the Nelson-Atkins. Always a favorite. Love the folds and shadows. This painting always attracts giggles from young boys. Mine was once one of them. Sad to hear underneath it all was not the body at all!
ReplyDeleteI do agree with Jimmy Carter's comment that the thing all fundamental religions have in common is to keep women subordinates.
I was always fascinated by wimples. I used to make them out of white towels when I was a little girl.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting - I'm trying to think of the last time I heard wimple used (and thanks for the etymology). I would have to say: The Sound of Music! "And underneath her wimple she has curlers in her hair..."
ReplyDeleteRe: your Target comment: I KNOW! What is wrong with me? I keep going for decor stuff there. Soooo tempting.
What a wonderful painting -- well, they're both lovely, but I'm referring to the second one. Never seen it before, never heard of the artist -- what a terrifically interesting/clever painting. And even more interesting is that it can't be properly understood without the title and the background info. I'm going to be thinking about this one for a while.
ReplyDeleteThe Peale painting is a favorite. My breath catches in my throat every time I see it. It's glorious in the new gallery.
ReplyDeleteI have loved it to-awaiting an opportunity to post and I did not know it was in your own Nelson-Atkins Museum in KC. I would just stare.
ReplyDeleteOh, don't veils just drive one insane. We always want to see that which is concealed (eventhough it is all the more interesting because it is). I have a photograph you would enjoy... perhaps I will dig out on friday.
ReplyDeleteJanet, I am romping thru Wolf hall,wimples,veils and all.wonderful.
ReplyDeletedo dig out the photograph.
Portrait of a Young Woman is really a stunning image.
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