La Cigale

1899

Emma Justine Farnsworth

Associated Names
Emma Justine Farnsworth

Artist, American, 1860 - 1952

This photograph shows a woman from the waist up, seated or reclining, her body facing us. Her head is slightly tilted to the left, and she looks upward. The woman has pale skin, arched eyebrows, deep-set eyes, and a thin mouth set in a neutral expression. Her hair appears to be styled into small buns or braids, and it is adorned with a headpiece that features a large crescent moon or half-circle shape with its ends pointing upward. This large shape sits at the center of her forehead and appears to be covered with small gems, with a large gem in the center. Large white flowers are tucked in her hair around her ears. Her attire consists of an off-the-shoulder dress with puffed sleeves and a gathered bodice. Her arms are stretched out to either side, as if they rest on the arms of a chair or couch. The background features a pattern of peacock feathers, and there is a large round shape behind the woman's head, almost like a halo. The photograph is entirely tinted in a blue-gray color.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    photogravure in blue mounted on light gray wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Anonymous Gift

  • Dimensions

    image: 11.4 x 14.5 cm (4 1/2 x 5 11/16 in.)
    sheet: 12.1 x 15.2 cm (4 3/4 x 6 in.)
    mount: 37.9 x 27.9 cm (14 15/16 x 11 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2002.120.28

  • Series Title

    American Pictorial Photography, Series I

Associated Artworks

See all 18 artworks

Beauty is Truth--Truth Beauty

F. Holland Day

1899

American Pictorial Photography, Series I

Various Artists

1899

Reflections--Venice

Alfred Stieglitz

1899


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Private collection; gift to NGA, 2002.

Associated Names

Wikidata ID

Q64147343

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