The Reluctant Bride's 19th-century exasperation strikes a chord with weary women on TikTok
The Hesitant Fiancée by Auguste Toulmouche, a 19th-century painting, strikes a chord with modern women on TikTok Its portrayal of quiet fury and disdain for traditional gender roles resonates with today's audience, despite the artist not being a feminist painter Discover how this artwork has captivated and connected with women in the digital age
A furious woman catches the eye.
Clothed in a lavish gown with fur trim, she stands in a grand French residence from the mid-19th century. Yet, her anger remains unspoken, a relatable experience for women worldwide who have masked their frustration with a mere roll of the eyes.
She is known as "The Hesitant Fiancée" in Auguste Toulmouches 1866 painting. This realist artwork, which was overshadowed in art history by the emergence of French Impressionist painters, is now gaining renewed attention from art enthusiasts on TikTok, more than 150 years later.
Her image has sparked numerous interpretations from users who speculate about the likely irritated thoughts that crossed her mind when she was painted, leading to the creation of a meme template. She resonates with women who share her disillusionment with societal expectations placed on their gender. Furthermore, her portrayal invites feminist reevaluations of the painting itself.
"The Hesitant Fiancée" was initially perceived as less serious due to the common belief that artwork depicting the silent anger of women was trivial. During that period, popular art often ridiculed unmarried women. Kathryn Brown, an art history and visual culture associate professor at Loughborough University in the UK, highlights that when viewed from a modern perspective, "The Hesitant Fiancée" portrays women united in solidarity, providing mutual support while confronting oppressive structures. Brown extensively explores Toulmouches' artwork in her monograph titled "Women Readers in French Painting 1870-1890."
"Over a century and a half later, perhaps were still discovering the full political significance of that kind of unity," she said in an email.
Toulmouche wasnt a feminist painter, but his work speaks to women today
Toulmouche depicted elegant and affluent French women in domestic scenes, often portraying their romantic adventures. Although the women in his paintings appeared as lavishly attired debutantes, the renowned French novelist Émile Zola referred to them as "delicious dolls" in 1874, according to Brown.
One of the reasons behind the popularity of Toulmouche's paintings during his time was the portrayal of a "fantasy of female life." The women in his artwork embodied the traditional roles of wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters, remaining devoted to their responsibilities within the domestic realm, as stated by Brown.
"The Hesitant Fiancée," alternatively known as "The Reluctant Bride," made its debut at the Académie des Beaux-Arts Paris Salon in 1866, initially titled "Un mariage de raison," which translates to "A Marriage of Convenience," shared Brown. Toulmouches work experienced a period of popularity, with his paintings frequently reproduced as etchings in newspapers, as highlighted by Brown. However, he gradually became overshadowed by Impressionist painters such as Claude Monet and Edgar Degas, she added.
TikTok users have been drawing inspiration from the seated woman in "The Hesitant Fiancée," using her image to create memes depicting relatable situations where they had to suppress their frustration.
Toulmouche was not known for creating feminist art, but according to Brown, his depiction of women in his paintings is now seen as subtly rebellious. In his 1865 painting "Forbidden Fruit," three young women enthusiastically explore books in a library, while another woman seems to keep watch at the door. Brown suggests that they have illicitly entered the room to gather information, most likely about sexuality, judging by their mischievous smiles.
The four women from "Forbidden Fruit" make a comeback in "The Hesitant Fiancée," showing their support for one of their companions as she reluctantly heads towards marriage. According to Brown, one of the women from "Forbidden Fruit" is now facing the possibility of marrying someone unsuitable or against her will. When viewed as a continuous story between the two works, it appears that the woman from "Forbidden Fruit" is aware of the imminent circumstances awaiting her.
The Hesitant Fiancée is courting TikTok fans
Centuries in the making, "The Hesitant Fiancée" has experienced a remarkable revival. In recent weeks, TikTok's popular art accounts have enthusiastically shared their discovery of this artwork. However, it's worth noting that as early as February, art enthusiast Kira (@TheArtRevival) had already showcased Toulmouche's brilliance in a video. In an email, she expressed her enduring admiration for his work.
"I am particularly drawn to art featuring sophisticated women leisurely passing their time, embracing a life filled with indifference," she expressed. "Their existence may not resonate with many, yet their contempt is universally relatable."
According to the renowned art enthusiast Tatyana About Art, "The Hesitant Fiancée" truly embodies a tragic narrative. The painting portrays the protagonist on the verge of or just after marrying a husband she is not passionately enamored with. She is accompanied by two women who compassionately try to console her, while another playfully experiments with a floral crown in front of the mirror, possibly envisioning her own wedding day."
In a video discussing "The Hesitant Fiancée," art historian Tatyana expressed that the bride is completely isolated in her feelings of despair and reluctance.
However, contemporary TikTok users now perceive the fiancée as a rebellious figure, refusing to silently accept a marriage that brings her unhappiness. Some speculate that her lack of attraction towards men could be the reason behind her hesitancy. During the 19th century in France, homosexuality was considered immoral, making it nearly impossible for individuals to live openly as LGBTQ+.
The woman lurking in the armchair remains a mystery, but her expression of frustration is relatable to anyone who has suppressed their anger. Kira described her as feeling trapped, and it's a sentiment that resonates with all of us. Even after more than a century, her portrayal within the constraints of societal expectations continues to captivate.
"When I see her, I can't help but think, go ahead and roll your eyes, babe," Kira remarked.
