Romaine Brooks, 1874 - 1970
'au bord de la mer (self-portrait)'
1912, oil on canvas. 42" x 27"
"No destiny, either by fetters or by fire, will tame;
The secret diamond of your ingenious heart.
Standing between bleak sky and foaming waters;
You fear not the shock of the tenth wave."
- Gabriele D'Annunzio
i know, she was an early sympathizer for the philosophies that led to the rise of fascism in Italy. i think it spun even more out of control than she'd expected, plus it was an outlook that was initially kind to queerfolk. in the beginning. maybe in hindsight, she'd feel differently too. but, she died alone and deeply paranoid.