Madame Noire 2011

Amy Sherald's *Madame Noire* (2011) is a portrait of a Black woman in a unique pose, wearing a top hat and suspenders, set against a vibrant red background. Sherald is known for her portraits that employ a flat, almost two-dimensional style with muted colors and a unique grey rendering of skin tones. Her work often explores the complexities of Black identity and representation in contemporary America. The subject's confident gaze and relaxed stance, coupled with her unconventional attire, suggest a sense of strength and individuality, challenging traditional notions of beauty and representation in portraiture.