Woman with Cockatoo

Peter Oliver Foss, born Norway 1865-died Randolph, MA 1932 · ca. 1895-1917

Peter Oliver Foss painted a woman in extravagant surroundings to evoke wealth and luxury, but the uncaged bird and spilled fruit suggest that she might want to break free of her constricted world. Rich tones of red and gold paint fill the canvas, highlighting the figure’s elaborate gown and the exotic splendor of her “gilded cage.”