Portrait of a Lady 1910

Lilla Cabot Perry painted this "Portrait of a Lady" during an era of evolving roles for women, using oil on canvas. Perry, a woman from a privileged background, challenged societal expectations by pursuing art professionally. The woman in the portrait is enveloped in black, a color traditionally associated with mourning or formality, yet here it seems to cloak her in an air of mystery and self-possession. The lace on her sleeve and the feathered hat hint at a life of refinement, but it's her gaze that captivates, suggesting an inner world of thoughts and emotions. The lack of specific dating invites us to consider how women have been seen and have represented themselves across different periods. Perry, influenced by Impressionism, captures not just a likeness but a sense of presence. This portrait moves beyond traditional representation, offering a glimpse into the complex identity of a woman in a changing world.