Whispers Of A Missing Father

Martin Friedrich Rau (b.1858-?)

Whispers of a Missing Father

oil on canvas
signed and dated Martin Rau -97
canvas dimensions 19 x 15 inches (48.5 x 38 cm)
frame 23.22 x 18.9 inches (59 x 48 cm)

Essay:
This captivating painting by Martin Friedrich Rau, created in 1897, depicts a young girl elegantly dressed in a green dress adorned with a vintage ribbon cinched around her waist. Her hair is elegantly styled, secured with a pristine white ribbon, while a string of pearls graces her neck.

The focal point of the painting is the young girl standing against a chair, upon which lie a single white glove and an officer's Feldmütze, a cap commonly worn by officers of the dragoons. The cap features blue fabric, a red band, and a Prussian cockade in the national colours of black, white, and black, adorning the centre of the band.

Captured in the act of holding the other glove, the girl appears to be attempting to try it on. The symbolism behind this gesture most likely signifies the loss of her father. Perhaps she yearns to step into his shoes, to embody his presence through these treasured artefacts. 

In this painting, Rau skillfully depicts the young girl's quest to connect with her heritage. The interplay of colours, from her dress's vibrant green to her hair's rich hues, infuses the painting with a sense of vitality and longing. The meticulously rendered details, such as the delicate pearls and the intricate design of the officer's cap, testify to Rau's artistic talent.

"Whispers of a Missing Father" invites viewers to contemplate themes of familial loss, memory, and the search for identity. Rau's meticulous brushstrokes and the girl's pensive expression evoke a deep emotional resonance as if capturing a moment frozen in time.