Struggle 1904

This is Robert Demachy’s photograph, "Struggle". Demachy, a key figure in the Photo-Secession movement, employed techniques that mirrored the expressive qualities of painting. "Struggle" is a provocative image that raises questions about the representation of the female body, and women’s lived experiences. The figure is caught in a maelstrom of brushstrokes, evoking a sense of entrapment or turmoil, and the title suggests themes of resistance and conflict. The image challenges idealized depictions of women common at the time, instead presenting an alternative narrative of raw emotion. In viewing this artwork, we are confronted with our own positionality and the historical gaze placed on women's bodies. The emotional depth of "Struggle" reflects the changing roles and expectations of women in society. It encourages us to consider the complexities of identity, and power dynamics inherent in representation.