Evening Sun [Variant] 1855 - 1865

Oscar Gustav Rejlander made this photograph, "Evening Sun [Variant]," in the mid-19th century, a period when photography was evolving from technical experiment to artistic expression. Rejlander was a leading figure in this transition, known for his combination printing techniques and allegorical subjects. This portrait captures a woman in soft focus, adorned with a wide-brimmed hat and shawl. Her gaze drifts pensively, embodying a sense of romantic melancholy that was fashionable during the Victorian era. But what does it mean to be a woman in this era? What are the social scripts for gender playing out here? How might they be embraced or resisted? Rejlander often explored themes related to morality and human nature in his work, reflecting the social and cultural anxieties of his time. While this image appears simple, it participates in larger discourses about beauty, class, and the role of women. It invites us to consider the complex interplay between representation and reality.