Portrait of a Young Woman 1930

"Portrait of a Young Woman" (1930) by James Van Der Zee (1886-1983) is a portrait of a young African American woman, possibly a bride or a woman attending a special event. The woman is dressed in a white dress with layers of ruffles and a bouquet of flowers in her hand. She is standing in front of a backdrop that includes an ornate iron gate and potted plants, creating a sense of elegance and sophistication. This photograph is a beautiful example of Van Der Zee's work, which was often focused on capturing the beauty and dignity of African Americans in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance. Van Der Zee's studio photography style is characterized by a soft focus and a romantic and expressive atmosphere, exemplified in this portrait.