Little Red Riding Hood (1872)

Artist: Harriet BackerHarriet Backer’s painting "Little Red Riding Hood" (1872) presents an evocative and tender domestic scene, rich with narrative implications and emotional depth. The artwork features two central figures: an elderly woman and a young girl, presumed to be her granddaughter, dressed as the titular character, Little Red Riding Hood. The elderly woman, adorned with a lace cap and a warm, matronly expression, is presumably imparting wisdom or storytelling, a common maternal or grandmaternal role that aligns with the themes often explored in such familial interactions. Her gesture towards the girl is gentle and guiding.The young girl, clad in a simple brown dress with a striking red cap that underscores her role as Little Red Riding Hood, has a contemplative, almost wistful expression. This suggests a moment of learning or quiet reflection as she listens to her grandmother. The attention to detail in their expressions adds a layer of depth to the storytelling, making it easy to imagine this as a quiet moment before the beginning of a well-known tale.Notably, the background and objects surrounding the figures are painted with careful attention to detail—notice the sewing basket, partially visible books, and other household items that suggest the coziness and lived-in atmosphere of the grandmother’s home. The small portrait hanging on the wall further accentuates the familial theme, adding to the narrative of heritage and lineage."Little Red Riding Hood" by Harriet Backer is not merely a representation of the popular children’s story but a portrayal of a moment of intergenerational connection, characterized by teaching and learning, set within the comforting confines of a family home.