Love and Adversity, watercolor and gouache on board (1900)
Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale (1872–1945) was a British painter and illustrator who became known as the last survivor of the Pre-Raphaelite tradition. In this symbolic work, she explores the "arcane and compelling" nature of human struggle within devotion.
Debuting at her 1901 Dowdeswell Galleries solo show, the work tells a powerful story about what it really means to stand by someone through thick and thin.
The painting serves as a commentary on the hypocrisy of high society, showing how "fair-weather friends" turn away the moment someone faces a sudden downfall or public shaming.
The tied-up androgynous figure, Adversity, has been publicly shamed.
Love, wearing a bright red robe and a glowing halo, freely chooses to sit right in the sharp thorns just to hold the outcast's helpless, bound hands.
In the background, a wealthy crowd turns its back and retreats into its exclusive world, locking the outcasts out.
At the disgraced couple's feet, a lone bird rests amidst white flowers, showing that a faithful soul and pure devotion can endure life's harshest trials.
The composition features a rich tapestry of intricate patterns and jewel-like colors, reflecting the artist’s mastery of watercolor and her deep appreciation for medieval and Renaissance aesthetics.
Loc. Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. Dim. 52.7 cm H x 35.2 cm W (20 3/4 x 13 7/8 in.).
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