Forget Me Not
Artist: Arthur Hughes (English, 1832–1915)
Date: Exhibited 1866
Medium: Oil on canvas
Collection: Private Collection
Description
In the bedroom of an ancient country house, a beautiful young woman kneels in a prayerful attitude beside a large brass-studded leather trunk, her arms resting on it as, lost in thoughts of her absent love, she gazes towards the light that filters through the casement window. Only two small panes are visible but these are sufficient to suggest that it is a frosty moonlit night. Inside, all is dark and shrouded. Her narrow bed stands against the wall, its frame adorned with Gothic finials. The padded headboard is embroidered with a pair of angels and the words Deus Magnificat, pointing to the pious nature of the household of which she is a member. The lute and bow traditionally signify the pleasures and happiness of love-making. Lying silent on the bed, they echo her lonely state and an emotional life as yet unfulfilled.
The girl has gathered flowers while walking: the forget-me-nots which give the painting its title; the ox-eye daisies and red poppies. Ox-eye daisies signify patience and the poppies consolation, so that despite the present separation from her loved one, the omens are good.