Fabiola after 1854

Editor: This is Jean-Jacques Henner’s “Fabiola,” painted after 1854. It's an oil painting, and there’s such a stillness and mystery about it. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The figure emerges from darkness, a visual representation of memory itself. Red hair cascades down, almost like a veil – a recurring motif for Henner. What do you think red might signify here, beyond just a physical attribute? Editor: Passion? Perhaps suffering, given her downward gaze? Curator: Perhaps. Red is visceral; it evokes blood, yes, but also vitality, life force. Henner repeated this subject, producing numerous versions. Think of the repetition as a kind of incantation, each painting a touchstone to the original saint's story, or perhaps something deeply personal to Henner himself. The face seems generic but also unique – do you find yourself searching her features for meaning? Editor: I do, actually. It’s like I’m trying to decode something in her expression, a hidden narrative. The dark background contributes to that feeling. Curator: Exactly! Henner plays with light and shadow to emphasize psychological depth. This Fabiola becomes less about historical accuracy and more about universal themes: suffering, piety, and perhaps even hidden strength. How do we reconcile those themes, you think? Editor: It is so intriguing to think about her story re-imagined and remade repeatedly; it definitely underscores a personal connection for the artist and elevates it from a mere portrait. Curator: Indeed, this invites reflection on the lasting power of symbols to evoke empathy, memory, and meaning across centuries. Thank you!