Spring 1900

Teodor Axentowicz, a Polish artist who lived from 1859 to 1938, made this pastel drawing titled Spring. This work evokes a sense of springtime renewal, but also invites us to consider the cultural narratives surrounding femininity and beauty in the early 20th century. At first glance, you might notice the depiction of a nude woman gazing at her own reflection. The work asks us to consider not just the surface, but also the woman's internal state, her self-awareness, and her place in a society that often objectifies the female form. The woman is holding a flower in her hand. The flower, a traditional symbol of spring and renewal, can be interpreted here as representing not only natural beauty, but also the potential for growth and change. Axentowicz offers an alternative narrative that acknowledges the complex interplay between internal experience and external expectations. "Spring" is not simply a celebration of seasonal change, but also a reflection on the complex and multifaceted nature of identity.