The title of this painting refers to the play ‘Hedda Gabler’, written by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen in 1890 and first performed in early 1891. It is likely that Beatrice Offor was familiar with the play, which was performed several times in London in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the play, Hedda, a young woman, is dissatisfied with her new husband and their new family home. Early in the play, Hedda suggests that her husband’s aunt’s new hat is cheap and unattractive, revealing her contempt for her married life and her husband’s family. Hedda tries to rekindle a relationship with her former lover, engaging him in private conversation behind a photograph album, while her husband is in the room. Hedda fears the loss of her youth but also fears being involved in a scandal. As the action of the play unfolds, Hedda becomes increasingly desperate to control the lives of the people around her, leading to distressing consequences.