Salem

Salem

Painted in 1908 by Syndey Curnow Vosper, Salem depicts a typical Welsh scene in Capel Salem in Gwynedd and is described as much an icon of Welsh culture as Constables ‘Haywain’ is of England.

The main figure in the painting is Siân Owen, who is believed to have been chosen to represent the cultural image in Wales of a strong maternal figure,  known as ‘Mam Cymru’.  Siân is wearing the traditional Welsh costume,  although this wasn't still in daily use by the time the painting was produced,  so it is thought that the painting represents life in Wales around 1850. 

There is a contentious belief that the face of the devil is depicted in the folds of the shawl,  with the paisley pattern forming a horn,  the folds of the fabric making an eye and nose,  and the fringe of the shawl his beard. It is not certain whether this depiction was deliberate or not,  with Vosper neither confirming or denying it,  but suggestions are that the clock shows Siân arriving late to Chapel,  during the traditional silence before the start of the service to ensure that her presence was noted. 

One detail the enigmatic artist did confirm as a deliberate inclusion was the ghostly face looking in through the window!