Pictured above is an iron wrought paining framed in dark wood with a green border. The painting depicts a young woman powerfully striking a ballet pose while in the air. With her fists clenched, her arm muscles visibly flexed, and her legs outstretched and her toes ‘en pointe’ (or on point if you will), the subject of the paining dances among palm trees. Although large empty spaces are used within the painting, it is used to represent the ground that the subject of the painting is dancing on, and the sky (which the trees act as a border for).

As women were often depicted in close proximity to flowers within paintings in order to mirror their fragility and delicacy, this pose of the subject within this piece is very striking. As she has leapt into the air, ‘en pointe,’ her fists clenched, and her muscles flexed she shows not only the strength required for ballet, but also female strength as a whole.

It is also interesting the subject of the paining is surrounded by palm trees instead of flowers, small plants, or shrubs that we would often see before. As palm trees are strong, and are known to be able to withstand strong winds and rain, it wouldn’t be surprising if the presence of the palm trees reflected new found respect and understanding of female power.