Woman in Profile 1915

Alfred William Finch painted "Woman in Profile" in 1913 using oil on canvas. The setting appears to be a cafe or restaurant, a space that was becoming increasingly accessible to women in early 20th century Europe. Finch, who was Finnish but spent much of his career in Belgium, uses thick brushstrokes and a muted palette to create a sense of quiet introspection. The woman's downcast gaze and the intimate setting suggest a moment of personal reflection. In his work, Finch seems to be observing the changing social roles of women. The cafe setting, traditionally a male domain, highlights the evolving place of women in public life. As art historians, it is our role to look at the way the image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. Examining Finnish and Belgian social histories of the period, consulting exhibition reviews, and looking at other images of public life from the period all enrich our understanding of the social and cultural contexts of the artwork.