In an article for The Iowa Review, writer Laurie J. Murray describes the painting: "The bride-to-be in Maidenhair seems to be waiting for her betrothed, bound by religious convictions and tradition. There is no hint of celebration in the church except for the wreath of flowers and ferns upon the bride-to-be’s head." Murray also draws attention to the title by pointing out the "maidenhair" in the crown of flowers resting atop the subject's head. Mistakenly, maidenhair fern is rare to Maine and found only in the far northern regions of the state and does not flower.Native Plant Trust. GO BOTANY. Adiantum viridimontanum. Maidenhair Fern. It is unknown where Betsy Wyeth conceived the title for Maidenhair.
