The Two Jamaican Girls 1937

"The Two Jamaican Girls" is a 1937 oil painting by British artist Augustus John. The painting features two young women, both with dark complexions, in a close-up composition. The girls gaze out at the viewer with a somber yet dignified expression, showcasing John's masterful ability to capture raw emotion and the complexities of the human figure. The setting appears to be a simple, possibly rural, environment, highlighted by the wooden wall behind the girls, creating a sense of realism and grounding the portrait within its social context. This work is a significant example of John's ability to depict the beauty and strength of diverse individuals, a departure from his earlier works primarily focused on British aristocracy.