With Pride Upon Her Brow c. 1878

Edwin Austin Abbey created this piece entitled 'With Pride Upon Her Brow' using ink and wash. The lady stands erect, gazing upward, embodying the archetype of the dignified woman, her posture radiating self-assurance. Her stance, reminiscent of classical sculptures of goddesses, is mirrored in countless depictions across eras, from Renaissance portraits to modern cinema. This motif embodies the powerful feminine spirit. Pride, often deemed a sin, here transforms into a virtue. The raised gaze, seen in religious iconography, symbolizes aspiration and spiritual connection. Yet, the collective memory imprints this image with a complex, emotional weight, as seen in the silent observers seated on the porch, and children playing on the street. This image echoes through time, revealing how archetypes evolve, carrying both reverence and critical reflection.