17590 (_She says …_) 1932

John Elsas crafted this watercolor, "_She says..._," embedding within it a symbolic representation of direction and orientation. The figure, poised with one arm outstretched, is reminiscent of ancient depictions of guides or oracles, figures that have been seen throughout history, from Hermes to countless spiritual leaders who claim to have all the answers. Consider the gesture of pointing; it's a motif laden with meaning, appearing across cultures to indicate paths forward or to highlight specific truths. In early Renaissance art, the hand gesture was crucial for storytelling, directing the viewer's gaze to key elements within the composition. The poem written below the figure suggests a weathercock following the wind, a symbol of changeability and adaptability. The question then becomes: Is she being sincere, or just adapting to the world around her? The image's emotional resonance lies in its ability to evoke the universal quest for direction, tapping into our collective memory of needing guidance and searching for meaning in the winds of change. It is a timeless quest for truth that continues to resurface, evolving with our understanding.