Artwork
The New Justine, from the series 'The Virtues and the Delights'
The New Justine, from the series 'The Virtues and the Delights' is a photographic photography by Karen Knorr. It dates from 1993 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Karen Knorr’s 1993 photograph captures a sculptural representation of a woman’s head from her series The Virtues and the Delights. The image presents the figure partially concealed by a white veil, her gaze directed downward, and a veil of muted tones that isolates the subject against a dark, undefined backdrop.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a female visage that appears to be shedding a fluid resembling blood, suggesting themes of vulnerability and emotional excess. The veil, draped over head and shoulders, both hides and reveals, inviting contemplation of the tension between exposure and concealment.
Technique & Style
Knorr employs a chiaroscuro approach, using stark contrasts between light and shadow to model the face and veil, thereby creating a palpable sense of depth. The restrained palette and soft focus on the figure enhance the introspective mood of the work.
History & Provenance
Originally produced in 1993, the photograph was exhibited in the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Canon Photography Gallery during its 1997 show, which featured works from The Virtues and the Delights series.
Context
The image forms part of a broader investigation by Knorr into the representation of women in art and the cultural narratives surrounding virtue and pleasure. By referencing a sculptural source, the photograph bridges historical objecthood with contemporary photographic practice.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karen Knorr HonFRPS is a German-born American photographer who lives in London. In 2018 she received an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society. Her work is held in the collection at Tate, London.
