Vanity (1907) | Frank Cadogan Cowper | Painting Art Print | Wall Frame

The figure in this painting bears a strong resemblance to the models favoured by Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood artists Dante Gabriel Rosetti and John Everett Millais in the previous century – particularly her long red hair. In the 1990s, poet Frances Sackett wrote a poem from the perspective of the unknown model, imagining her as perplexed by her role in the creation of the painting: “And so he calls me ‘Vanity’ / And makes me feel the guilt of all / His observation”.

The clothes in the painting show a mixture of historic and contemporary fashion influences. The silver hand-mirror and string of pearls reflect the fashion of the early 20th century, but the predominant influence is Renaissance Italy. The woman wears a ferronière (jewelled headband) in a style that dates back to the 15th century, while the elaborate dress with its serpentine pattern is similar to one depicted in the Italian Renaissance artist Giulio Romano’s Portrait of Margherita Paleologo in the Royal Collection, which Cowper may have studied.

Cowper is trying to remind us that neither the beautiful woman in her luxurious clothes or the ripe grapes in the background can flourish forever – in time, both will fade and die.

Our professionally reproduced product comes in two variations:

1 .Matte: 12 X 18 inch high definition quality print - 300 gsm Matte Finish Art sheet rolled in a Shipping Tube.

2. Frame: 14 X 20 inch finest quality photo frame - Golden/Black Frame Finish.