"Self-Portrait" by Romaine Brooks, 1923 

Object Details

Exhibition Label:

With this self-portrait, Brooks envisioned her modernity as an artist and a person. The modulated shades of gray, stylized forms, and psychological gravity exemplify her deep commitment to aesthetic principles. The shaded, direct gaze conveys a commanding and confident presence, an attitude more typically associated with her male counterparts. The riding hat and coat and masculine tailoring recall conventions of aristocratic portraiture while also evoking a chic androgyny associated with the post--World War I "new woman." Brooks's fashion choices also enabled upper-class lesbians to identify and acknowledge one another.

The Art of Romaine Brooks, 2016

Luce Center Label:

In this painting, Romaine Brooks portrayed herself in the dark colors of a man's outfit, her eyes veiled under the shadow of her hat brim. Brooks lived most of her life in Paris, where she crafted an androgynous appearance that challenged conventional ideas of how women should look and behave. The shadowed face in this portrait suggests that her true self is hidden behind a carefully constructed facade. The tiny flash of red on Brooks's lapel represents the ribbon of the Legion of Honor she received for her artistic achievements, but it might also hint at the secret passions of her personal life.

Credit Line:

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist

Restrictions & Rights:

Usage conditions apply

See more items in:

Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection

Department:

Painting and Sculpture

Date:

1923

Object number:

1966.49.1

Artist:

Romaine Brooks, born Rome, Italy 1874-died Nice, France 1970

Sitter:

Romaine Brooks

Romaine Brooks

Topic:

Cityscape

Dress\accessory\hat

Occupation\art\painter

Occupation\art\designer

Portrait female\self-portrait

Occupation\art\printmaker

Portrait female\waist length

Medium:

oil on canvas

Dimensions:

46 1/4 x 26 7/8 in. (117.5 x 68.3 cm)

Data Source:

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Type:

Painting