Mädchen Mit Rotblondem Haar 1876

"Mädchen Mit Rotblondem Haar," or "Girl With Red-Blond Hair," is an oil on canvas portrait by Austrian artist Hans Canon, painted sometime in the mid-19th century. Canon, working in a time of strict societal expectations, especially for women, paints this young woman with a direct, almost challenging gaze. Her red-blond hair, rendered with care, stands out against the somber background and dark clothing, possibly alluding to a fiery spirit beneath a demure exterior. The delicate lace at her collar and the simple pendant hint at a certain social standing, yet her expression is far from the passive, idealized portrayals often seen in portraits of women during this era. Canon's choice to capture her individuality, rather than adhering to conventional beauty standards, suggests a subtle subversion of the period's norms. This artwork offers a glimpse into the complex negotiation of identity and representation in a time of great social change.