In quiet awe: Portrait of a black woman

Portrait of a black woman, Portrait of Madeleine, Portrait d’une femme noire or Portrait d’une negresse.

An oil in canvas painting that express the beauty of black women.
A choice that is and feels significant for something created in the 1800’s. Although her right breast is undoubtedly present, there’s nothing sexual about it. If anything, I find it remarkably humanizing. The raw beauty in the decision to present her body without turning her into a caricature.

But there are people that wouldn’t agree with me, who think that this painting was exploitative to the black women of the time in French society. Their opinions derived mostly from the fact that the painter’s other works depicts fully clothed white women. And yes, they might be right and I personally do understand where they’re coming from. It definitely made me raise an eyebrow. But it is up to each and every one of us to interpret paintings in a way that makes sense to us, albeit, with some knowledge and respect for the period said painting was created.

My take on The birth of Venus.

Portrait of a black woman, Marie-Guillemine Benoist (1800)

There’s something awfully commanding about her.

She sits almost casually, but with her gaze meeting ours directly. She isn’t smiling nor does she seem particularly interested in pleasing the viewer. She’s just… looking back. A gaze that gives the painting its power.

I’m especially drawn to the contrast between her bare skin, the dark fabric falling behind her and the enormous expanse of the pale and almost empty background. Nothing competes with her. She is the heart of the painting and she is allowed to fully occupy that space.

There is dignity in her stillness. A sensuality without full exhibition and a defiant calm in her expression. Because of that, I find this painting to be intensely striking and powerful. Perhaps that’s why I keep returning to her.

The French painter was very bold for this one and I can’t wait to buy it and hang it in my home.
A printed version of it of course. My bank account and the original will never meet.

If you wish to learn more:
ArtStoryLab – Portrait of a Black Woman by Marie Guillemine Benoist
SmartHistory.org