La Foret d'Ensorcellement 1960

"La Foret d'Ensorcellement", or "The Enchanted Forest", is a print by Ruth Cyril. Born in 1938, Cyril navigated the male-dominated art world while grappling with personal tragedies. This print invites us into an immersive, dreamlike landscape rendered in soft blues and pinks. The title suggests a place of magic, but Cyril’s use of color and texture hints at something more complex, perhaps a space where beauty and unease coexist. The romantic idea of the forest as a space of refuge, particularly for women, is here questioned through the contrast of the ethereal colors with the density of the forest. As you stand before this work, consider how Cyril's enchanted forest might reflect both the allure and the challenges faced by women artists during her time. It’s a poignant reminder of the personal and societal forces that shape an artist's vision.