Calendar 1897

The painting titled "Calendar 1897" by Edward Penfield is a charming illustration that features a sophisticated young woman dressed in a fashionable gown from that era. The artist uses a warm yellow color for the dress, which contrasts beautifully with her black gloves and the bold, blue-gray background. The young woman is depicted in profile, looking to the left, with a delicate pose indicating she may be holding a bunch of grapes or perhaps a small bouquet of flowers in her hands.Prominently to the right of the woman, the artwork includes calendars for the months of January, February, and March, each displayed in a grid with dates highlighting Sundays in a bold red color, indicating perhaps a focus on leisurely, social, or cultural events typical of the time period. These calendar pages are intricately detailed and neatly aligned, suggesting the importance of time and schedules, possibly reflecting the social and personal engagements of the lady depicted.Penfield, well-known for his poster art which often included elements of Art Nouveau style, reflects this through the exquisite linework and the stately, composed form of the woman in the painting. The large numeral "1897" above the figure highlights the year, serving both a decorative and informative function.The overall composition provides more than just a simple date keeper; it's a snapshot of fashion and societal norms from the late 19th century, rendered in a style that balances elegance with utility.