Why it matters
A young woman rises from a man's lap and stares out of the window, suddenly transfixed. At first glance a married couple, the painting's many symbols reveal a kept mistress whose conscience has just awoken.
Did you know?
- It was painted in 1853.
- She wears rings on every finger except the wedding finger.
- A cat under the table toys with a bird, echoing her situation.
- The music on the piano, 'Oft in the Stilly Night', speaks of missed opportunities.
Based on the Wikipedia article The Awakening Conscience (CC BY-SA 4.0).
