The Gilded Cage
An overriding theme in Evelyn De Morgan's work was Women's suffrage; this is best illustrated by this iconic painting, completed between 1901-1902.
By De Morgan Collection
De Morgan Foundation
The Gilded Cage (Probably 1901 - 1902) by Evelyn De MorganDe Morgan Collection
A young woman, dressed in sumptuous gold robes, looks wistfully at revellers outside.
Jewels and books lay discarded, on the floor by her feet.
The inscriptions on the spines of the books on the shelf are in Italian and read “Poesia”; “Musica”, “Arte”; “Mors”, “Tratta-to-della; Medicina” (poetry, music; art; death; interpretations; medicine).
The young woman's entrapment in a male dominated society is echoed by the canary, singing in a golden cage.
The look on the face of the older man suggests that he too is not happy with this situation. Perhaps he bemoans the folly of youth, which rejects the knowledge and riches he has to offer the young woman.
De Morgan Foundation
Watts Gallery Artists Village
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