Self-Portrait 1957

This is Wanda Miller Matthews’s Self-Portrait, a monochrome print. Matthews came of age in the middle of the 20th century, during a period of significant social change and evolving gender roles. The portrait shows a woman, presumably the artist, in what appears to be a moment of contemplation. She stands with her hands clasped, her gaze direct yet soft, creating a sense of intimacy. The monochrome tones and use of light and shadow add depth and a sense of introspection to the piece. There is an emotional subtlety to the work that resists traditional, idealized representations of women. It acknowledges the complexities of female identity and invites viewers to consider the multifaceted nature of self-perception, while capturing a sense of quiet strength and resilience.