A tribute to Mary Wollstonecraft

Mary Wollstonecraft- the Mother of Feminism. A reflection

I was intrigued by the unveiling of the tribute to Mary Wollstonecraft that was to represent ‘Everywoman’. So, I thought I’d better go and take a look!

Mary Wollstonecraft was a very brave woman. Born in 1759, her books and her philosophy on the intellectual abilities of of women as equal to those of men warranted her to be ostracised and ridiculed by her society and her friends and distanced by her family.

In today’s society, these notions are utterly undisputable. Women hold some of the most eminent positions in Politics, Economics, Arts, Literature, Science. The list could go on forever. Wollstonecraft was a catalyst behind this.

So, what to make of Maggi Hambling’s tribute to Wollstoncraft’s philosophy and achievements?

The statue has been the subject of ridicule by many: Art critics, influential news columnists, prominent media writers… The consensus seems to be that the representation is small, Barbie-like, insignificant and that it does not represent any of the philosophy and writings that Wollstonecraft stood for and it is offensive to her legacy.

To me, it reminds me of an Oscar, or a trophy. The trophy-wife, the trophy-girlfriend, the yummy mummy. Petite, perfect hair, lengthened eyelashes with Better-than-Sex mascara. She is born from man’s rib to be the perfect companion. Even her constant seeking perfection doesn’t save her from the criticism of other women… They say: ‘Her husband left her because she let herself go’… 'When was the last time she went to the beauty parlour’… ‘She is desperate! She tries too hard’... ‘She doesn’t try hard enough!’. With a Caesarean scar on show, she has given everything she could. And just like an Oscar, she is placed on a shelf whilst the next symbol of glory is sought.

Wollstonecraft experienced criticism for not being the ‘appropriate-type’ of pleasing woman, all those years ago. Maggi Hambling is criticised for not portraying Wollstonecraft in an manner which is appropriate for a woman of such influence. Whether people like or dislike the statue, it is truly a matter of taste and opinion. I expect, people will see different things and it may not resonate with each woman’s subjective realities. The most important part of it is written on the tomb-like plinth from the wise word by Wollstonecraft: ‘I do not seek for women to have power over men but to have power over themselves’.

So, do we have power over ourselves?