La Bretagne
1891
Think of this as a personified postcard from 1891 France, where the region of Brittany is brought to life as a strong female captain. The artist has squeezed a rugged scene of seafaring life into a sharp, V-shaped window set against a massive field of gold, labeled 'BRETAGNE' in the corner. This allegorical woman grips a ship's wheel with determination, dressed in traditional garb with a white headdress and blue sash, navigating blue waves while seagulls fly past and a red fish dangles at her side. It’s a striking blend of national pride and Symbolist style, turning a regional identity into a golden, decorative icon.