Concerning the American girl (1904)

"Concerning the American Girl" (1904) by Samuel Ehrhart is a vibrant and elaborate painting that humorously critiques societal views on the evolving roles of American women at the time. The artwork is divided into two primary sections, separated by a curtain pulled back by a young girl, symbolizing the unveiling of modern perspectives on femininity.On the left, an elderly bishop holds a sign that laments "The Steady Decline of Womanhood From Its Old Ideals," reflecting the traditionalist viewpoint that perceived emerging female independence as a loss of moral values and womanly virtues. The church setting reinforces the conservative stance on maintaining old gender roles.Contrasting sharply with this dim view, the right side of the painting bursts with scenes of dynamic and diverse women engaging in activities that were becoming more accessible to them in the early 20th century. These vignettes illustrate women not only in roles of leisure and domestic responsibilities but also in professions and education — we see an artist, a scholar with a "LL.D." (Doctor of Laws) degree, and a woman driving a car, among others.Ehrhart's work, rich with detail and color, serves as both a satirical look at the fears of traditionalists and a celebratory depiction of women's expanding horizons during this era. The juxtaposition invites viewers to reflect on the changing landscape of gender roles and the perception of these changes in society.