Elizabeth Humphrey 1899

This is a watercolor miniature portrait of Elizabeth Humphrey by Martha Susan Baker, created sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. Baker was one of the few women of her time to have a successful career as a painter. During the late 1800’s, portraiture was a popular, yet exclusive way for families to memorialize loved ones, and assert their place in society. Typically, women were the subject of these portraits, reinforcing their roles in the domestic sphere. Baker’s delicate brushstrokes capture Humphrey’s beauty and composure; yet, there’s a sense of vulnerability in her eyes. The softness of the watercolor adds to this feeling, challenging the traditional, more rigid representation of women from that era. This miniature compels us to reflect on the women who, despite societal constraints, sought out opportunities to express their individuality. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeing women as complex beings, each with her own unique story to tell.