Self-Portrait 

Here is a self-portrait by Tia Peltz, whose life spanned much of the 20th century. Peltz created this work with watercolor and ink. This portrait is an intimate glimpse into the artist’s identity and inner life. Peltz confronts the viewer with a direct gaze that hints at both vulnerability and strength. Made during a time of significant social change and evolving gender roles, Peltz asserts her presence in a space traditionally dominated by male artists. Her choice of traditionally feminine attire is undercut by her bold, unwavering stare. Peltz’s self-representation departs from traditional representations of women in art, who are often passive or idealized. Instead, she presents herself as an individual with agency, reflecting the shifting dynamics of gender and identity in the 20th century. This self-portrait is a powerful statement of self-affirmation and resilience.