On the recto, this work consists of the portrait of a young woman in an oval frame. The image is overlaid by a transparent blue glass in which etched marks can be seen. She is wearing an off the shoulder gown, necklace, and hair piece. Her hands are folded in her lap. The verso is collaged with stanzas in German. The word “CHIARINA” is written in white on a black background at the top of the composition. At the bottom of the composition in white on black paper is written: “Clara Wieck at the age of 13. / Later to become the wife and / champion of Robert Schumann. / The “Chiarina'' of the CARAVAL / suite for piano.”

Chiarina

Joseph Cornell

1955

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