Selvportræt 1847 - 1916

Birgitte Levison painted this self-portrait in oil on canvas, capturing her own likeness with a direct gaze and subtle smile. The red ribbon at her chest and the ornate detailing of her collar draw our attention, acting as symbolic markers. Consider how ribbons, throughout history, have signified bonds, connections, and status, appearing in various forms from ancient Roman fillets to medieval heraldry. Here, it perhaps speaks to Levison's personal ties and social position, yet it also subtly echoes the broader historical use of ribbons as emblems of memory and allegiance. The immaculate white collar, with its near-architectural cut-outs, brings to mind similar neckwear in portraits across different eras, each reflecting societal standards of modesty and refinement. Such details are not mere decorations but potent conveyors of cultural and psychological weight, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. These motifs evoke the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings across different historical contexts.