Introduction

Today, the image of the perfect woman may be smart, athletic, or specific traits depending on the person. In the past the perfect woman was the one to fight for their country and be very patriotic or have their virginity with a baby. In the past, the perfect woman was impossible to have. Most women always want to be with their man and don’t like war. This disempowers women because the men are looking for these traits that nobody has. Men may be expecting these traits and when they don’t have them, they get less power and are looked down upon. These women may give power to the church for their symbolism. All of the paintings below have a similar theme of symbolism of a perfect woman. In Women of Britain, Say Go, the women are symbolizing Patriotism and wanting their men to go to war and help instead of staying with them. In Liberty leading the people, the women that is holding the flag is leading all the men and is taking the men’s role in war, which also symbolizes liberty and patriotism. The Virgin and Child with St Jerome and St Dominic is a very religious painting that still beholds the common theme of symbolism of women because she has a halo above her head to symbolize her innocence and virginity.