Catharine Lorillard Wolfe 1828 - 1887

Alexandre Cabanel painted this portrait of Catharine Lorillard Wolfe, capturing her in a luxurious gown that speaks volumes about her status and the prevailing fashions. Note the fur trim; fur has been a symbol of wealth and power since antiquity. Consider how the depiction of fur in art has morphed over time. From royal robes in medieval portraits to the extravagant stoles worn by women of the Gilded Age, fur signifies not just warmth but a connection to primal power and exclusivity. Fur invokes our collective memory of survival and status. Fur also carries complex emotional weight. It can evoke feelings of comfort and luxury, but also raise subconscious concerns about nature, mortality, and opulence. Just as Cabanel uses light and shadow to create a sense of depth and texture, the presence of fur adds another layer of psychological complexity. The symbolism of fur resurfaces and evolves, reflecting changing attitudes toward wealth, status, and our relationship with the natural world.