The artwork titled “Snow White Playing with her Father’s Trophies” is a creation of the artist Paula Rego, dated 1995. Belonging to the Expressionist movement, the painting falls within the genre of literary painting, which references narratives, stories, or literary artworks. The Expressionist influence is notable through the bold use of color and form to evoke emotional responses.
The artwork depicts an unconventional take on the familiar tale of Snow White. Central to the composition is a female figure, elegantly dressed in a white, frilly dress with a pink bow in her hair, seated comfortably yet with a dispassionate demeanor. Her legs are delicately crossed, her gaze direct and somewhat penetrating, engaging the viewer with a sense of defiance or confrontation.
Next to her, commanding immediate attention, is the head of a stag, with its grand antlers and serene expression. The stag’s head, seemingly a hunting trophy, protrudes from the wall, positioned as if overseeing the room. The woman’s relaxed posture, coupled with her casual interaction with the stag, implies a familiarity and domesticity in the presence of the wild, mounted animal.
Behind the central figure, the background is occupied by a patterned sofa and the rich, warm shades of the room, further emphasizing the contrast of the natural against the civilized. On the far right, another female figure is discernible, smaller in scale and seated in shadows, forming a stark contrast to the well-lit prominence of the central subject. This secondary figure suggests an element of narrative or a commentary on hierarchy or status.
Throughout the scene, Rego’s brushwork and palette contribute to a sense of psychological tension and provoke the viewer to consider themes of power, femininity, and the intersection of human culture with the natural world. The artist interrogates traditional storytelling tropes by intermingling familiar fairy tale aspects with a distinct, contemporary viewpoint that challenges viewer expectations.
