Trina Scharf Hyman – Snow White 06, De Trina Schart Hyman

The artwork presents a scene steeped in melancholy and introspection. A young woman stands centrally, her posture conveying distress; she covers her mouth with one hand while the other rests at her side. Her long, pale hair cascades down her shoulders, contributing to an overall impression of fragility and vulnerability. The clothing – a simple, muted gown – further emphasizes a lack of ostentation or worldly concern.
To her left, within an ornate, gilded frame, appears another woman’s reflection. This figure possesses a markedly different demeanor; she seems withdrawn, almost resigned, with a gaze directed downwards. The mirror itself is elaborately carved, its design suggesting both grandeur and potential entrapment. A pale moon hangs in the background behind the mirror, adding to the dreamlike quality of the scene.
The foreground is dominated by several lit candles, their purple hues casting an unsettling glow on the surrounding objects – a small table with a brass container and what appears to be a decorative figurine. The light source creates dramatic contrasts between illuminated areas and deep shadows, intensifying the emotional weight of the composition. A dark cat sits in the lower right corner, its presence adding a touch of mystery and perhaps foreboding.
The subtexts within this work revolve around themes of identity, perception, and inner turmoil. The mirrored image suggests a confrontation with an alternate self or a hidden truth. The woman’s gesture of covering her mouth implies suppressed words or unspoken anxieties. The overall palette – dominated by muted tones and punctuated by the purple candlelight – evokes a sense of sadness and introspection. It is possible to interpret this as a depiction of a moment of profound realization, where an individual confronts uncomfortable aspects of their own being or grapples with external pressures that threaten to overwhelm them. The cat’s presence could symbolize intuition or a lurking danger, while the ornate mirror frame hints at societal expectations and the constraints they impose.