The artwork titled “Young Girl in Rococo Dress Frightened by a Peacock” was created by Gerda Wegener in 1918. It belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and falls under the genre of genre painting.
In the artwork, a young girl dressed in an elaborate Rococo gown stands in a formal garden setting, appearing visibly startled by a peacock that has spread its colorful feathers before her. The girl’s attire is characterized by voluminous layers and intricate detailing, typical of the Rococo style. She holds a fan close to her face, possibly as a gesture of surprise or modesty. The background features architectural elements such as stone steps and classical vases adorned with flowers, enhancing the sense of elegance and refinement. The peacock, with its iridescent plumage, adds a striking contrast to the muted tones of the girl’s dress and the subdued palette of the garden. This composition reflects Wegener’s distinctive style and the influence of the Art Nouveau movement, with its emphasis on decorative elegance and natural forms.