Portrait of an Old Woman c. 1940s - 1950s

Wayne Albee captured this sepia print, "Portrait of an Old Woman," sometime in the early 20th century. At first glance, the woman’s attire, notably the white veil and large cross, mark her as a figure deeply committed to religious life. The veil, a symbol of purity and devotion, has roots stretching back to ancient Rome. It echoes in depictions of vestal virgins and early Christian iconography. Similarly, the cross, a near-universal symbol of Christianity, also has origins in pre-Christian symbols, evolving from signs of nature and ancient cultures into a potent emblem of sacrifice and redemption. Consider the emotional intensity of her gaze. It connects to the profound sense of sacrifice and spiritual dedication. The rendering elicits a deep, subconscious recognition, a return of the repressed, embodying the emotional weight of faith across millennia. We see how symbols carry collective memories, shaping our understanding and eliciting profound emotional responses.