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Hebe, c. 1890. Creator: Abbott Handerson Thayer (American, 1849-1921)
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Hebe, c. 1890. Creator: Abbott Handerson Thayer (American, 1849-1921)
Hebe, c. 1890. Toward the end of the 1880s, just as Abbott Handerson Thayers success as a portrait painter reached its peak, his beloved first wife, Kate, was diagnosed with acute melancholia. First hospitalized in early 1888, she died in an asylum in May 1891. In response to this tragedy, Thayer began to make paintings explaining the ideal role of women, both in a spiritual and moral sense. Thayer believed the high moral nature of women was constantly threatened by their participation in worldly affairs. The ideal women in his canvases are depicted wearing vaguely Grecian costumes, as in this unfinished painting. Here, Thayer portrayed Hebe, the goddess of youth and spring, as the cupbearer of the gods. As a divine being, Hebe was kept safe from the influence of the outside world, providing Thayer some relief in regard to his anxiety about the changing role of women
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Hebe, c. 1890
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating print that showcases the artistic prowess of Abbott Handerson Thayer, an American painter from the late 19th century. This particular piece holds a deeper significance as it reflects Thayer's personal journey through tragedy and his exploration of women's roles in society. During the peak of his career as a portrait painter, Thayer faced immense sorrow when his first wife, Kate, was diagnosed with acute melancholia. Her subsequent hospitalization and eventual demise deeply impacted him. In response to this profound loss, Thayer turned to art to express his beliefs about the ideal role of women both spiritually and morally. In "Hebe" we witness Thayer's attempt to depict an ideal woman who remains untouched by worldly affairs. He portrays Hebe, the goddess of youth and spring, as the cupbearer of gods - a divine being shielded from external influences. By dressing her in vaguely Grecian attire, he symbolizes purity and timeless beauty. This unfinished painting serves as a testament to Thayer's anxiety regarding the changing role of women during that era. Through his artistry, he sought solace by highlighting their high moral nature while acknowledging its constant vulnerability. The print captures not only Thayer's exceptional talent but also provides viewers with insight into his emotional journey during this period. It stands as a poignant reminder of how art can serve as both catharsis for artists' personal struggles and windows into societal concerns at large.
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