The Awakening Conscience by Hunt

Description: At first glance, this painting seems to be of a woman sitting on a man’s lap as they play the piano and sing happily. However, upon closer inspection it becomes clear that this woman is not married. Her left ring finger is barren. Also, the mirror in the background reveals that the woman is gazing out the window. These signs along with the confined room indicate that this woman is being kept as a mistress. As the title indicates, the woman is experiencing a sudden moment of realization. The pureness and light of nature sweeping through the room reveal the immorality of her actions. Notable symbols include the cat who has captured a bird and the sleeping cupid found on the wallpaper.

Behind the Scenes: Hunt stated that he found inspiration for this painting in Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield. This is ironic as Dickens was a vocal opponent of the Pre-Raphaelite movement.

Reaction: This painting has been greatly misinterpreted.