The concept for my design was inspired by the painting The Awakening Conscience by William Holman Hunt. The painting depicts a man with his mistress in a domestic setting. The painting if full of symbolism and  communicates the position of women in society at the time. 

 

Women were still unable to receive higher education and there for a could not aim to create their own wealth. In many ways women were dependent on men be it their father, husband or lover. 

 

The woman in the painting is shown rising form the lap of her lover looking out into nature beyond the open window that is reflected in the mirror behind the couple. This speaks to the womans desires to be free of this situation. Her left had that is notably missing a wedding ring is positioned in the center of the painting highlighting the indecency of the relationship. 

At the womens feet lies the discarded glove of her lover as a representation of how he will discard her once he is done with her and in the corner a cat has taped a bird as he has trapped the woman. 

 

This painting inspired my exhibition as it speaks to the lives of the women associated with the pre raphelite brotherhood. Many came from lower class backgrounds and were discovered  by the artists and admired for their beauty. Many had artistic aspirations of their own but were unable to follow them due to the conventions of society. Through modeling a collaborating with the brotherhood the women for the pre raphelite movement managed to better their place in society.