Steichen, Edward J. (American, 1879-1973) American artists

The composition presents a stylized scene, dominated by geometric forms and flattened perspective. Here we observe two female figures positioned within a framework of angular planes and decorative borders. The overall effect is one of deliberate artifice rather than naturalistic representation.
In the foreground, a woman stands in profile, her body turned slightly towards the viewer. She wears an elaborate garment – a combination of draped fabric and patterned ornamentation – that draws attention to her posture and bearing. Her gesture, holding what appears to be a flower or blossom, is both offering and possessive; it suggests a connection to the natural world while simultaneously asserting control over it. The color palette for this figure leans towards warm tones – creams, golds, and touches of red – which contribute to an impression of richness and authority.
Behind her, another woman stands further back in space, partially obscured by architectural elements. She is depicted in a stark white robe, her hair cascading down her shoulders. Her posture suggests contemplation or perhaps melancholy; she appears to be looking off into the distance with a sense of detachment. The contrast between her pallor and the vibrant colors surrounding her emphasizes her isolation within this constructed environment.
The background itself is composed of layered planes in shades of blue and grey, creating an ambiguous space that lacks depth. Stylized foliage – both flowering plants and leafy branches – emerges from the lower corners, adding a decorative element while also hinting at a connection to nature. The gold borders framing the scene reinforce the sense of a staged tableau, elevating the figures within to the status of symbolic representations rather than individuals.
The painting’s subtexts seem to revolve around themes of femininity, power, and the relationship between humanity and nature. The juxtaposition of the two women – one active and assertive, the other passive and withdrawn – suggests a duality in female roles or perhaps an exploration of contrasting personalities. The stylized rendering and geometric construction imply a deliberate distancing from reality, suggesting that the work is concerned with ideas and symbols rather than literal depiction. It’s possible to interpret this as a commentary on the constructed nature of identity or the artificiality of societal expectations.