Following Lili’s transition, Gerda and Lili continued their lives together. This profound personal evolution also found expression in Gerda Wegener’s art. Facing the conservative climate in Copenhagen at the time, the couple chose to relocate to Paris, where they could live with considerably more freedom. While Wegener also created a notable series of lesbian erotic paintings, for this occasion, let’s focus on a specific piece titled A Summer Day.
A Summer Day
Consistent with many of Gerda Wegener’s works, A Summer Day portrays a group of beautiful women engaged in various leisurely activities. The scene unfolds outdoors, with the women arranged in diverse poses. They are all occupied with different pastimes.
In the foreground, a nude woman is depicted semi-reclining, gently smelling a rose. She leans against another woman with dark hair, who is playing an accordion. To the left, another woman holds an open book, though her gaze is directed towards the right side of the painting, mirroring the attention of the accordion player.
In the background, a figure in a hat, holding a large palette, is captured in the act of painting. To the right, a woman who seems to be passing by, carrying a large bouquet, turns to observe the central group.
The painting exemplifies Wegener’s signature style, embodying the characteristics of the Art Deco movement. This is evident in the use of soft pastel colors and smooth, flowing lines, all contributing to a harmonious composition. Wegener skillfully depicts rays of warm sunlight illuminating the central figures, and the light glinting off the rings worn by two of the women.
The women in Wegener’s painting are portrayed through a distinctly female gaze, as opposed to the traditional depictions of (often nude) women by male artists. Wegener captures their beauty without resorting to objectification or the prevalent male perspective of her time. She portrays these strong, beautiful women with admiration. She presents them not as mere objects, but as subjects endowed with their own agency and will.
Wegener liked to challenge conventional gender norms in her artworks, often featuring androgynous figures (drawing inspiration from Lili Elbe). In A Summer Day, we can see an androgynous painter in the background, capturing the entire scene.
Gerda Wegener played an important role in revolutionizing the portrayal of women in art. Beyond her artistic contributions, she demonstrated profound personal courage. She defied the pervasive prejudices and conservative societal norms of her time to live life authentically and on her own terms. This was powerfully evident in her modern and liberated portrayals of women, such as A Summer Day, as well as her unwavering love and support for her partner, Lili Elbe, especially after Lili embarked on her journey of gender affirmation to live fully as a woman. Wegener’s steadfast commitment endured despite the immense personal cost, including the annulment of their marriage by the King of Denmark, a testament to her remarkable character and conviction.