Miss Broeksma 1958

Maggie Laubser painted this portrait of Miss Broeksma using oil paint on canvas. The thick, opaque quality of the oil allows for a layering of colors and textures, building up a sense of volume and form. You can see this in the way Laubser models Miss Broeksma's face, with highlights and shadows creating depth. The brushstrokes are visible, giving the painting a sense of immediacy and the artist's hand. Consider, too, the social context in which this painting was made. Laubser was working at a time when women were increasingly entering the workforce, and Miss Broeksma’s modern hairstyle reflects that. The portrait also speaks to the broader history of portraiture, a genre often associated with wealth and status. By painting Miss Broeksma, Laubser is participating in this tradition, while also challenging it by depicting a middle-class woman. Ultimately, understanding the materials and processes that went into creating this painting allows us to appreciate the skill and artistry of Maggie Laubser, and to consider the social and cultural significance of her work.