Home > african american, historic, portrait > A motherless child

A motherless child


Sometimes you see a photograph and you can’t get it out of your mind. I visit the Shorpy.com website often because he uncovers a wealth of 100 year old negatives, prints them out and then shares them with the rest of us. This young woman can be found on his website in a post titled “Incarcerated, 1919”. Looking at this proud young face, it’s hard for me to imagine what she did wrong. How many wrongs were committed against her before she became desperate and did what, steal bread? Sell her body? Fight back?

this painting is sold

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  1. August 10th, 2011 at 12:41 | #1

    This is fantastic!!! I can see the determination in her expression. You have captured it perfectly!!!Well done!!

  2. August 9th, 2011 at 10:44 | #2

    Amazing! So realistic and full of feeling. I’m a little late with paint party friday, but stopped by to say hi!

  3. August 8th, 2011 at 06:18 | #3

    So real! Lovely work.

  4. August 8th, 2011 at 06:18 | #4

    Wow…amazing work! So real!!!
    Yes Shorpy is a one fun site and i should visit there soon.

  5. August 7th, 2011 at 13:01 | #5

    Absolutely outstanding Mimi! She is looking us as if to say, “How dare you, how dare everyone!!” She is beautiful with so much meaning imbedded into her eyes and stance. Love it! Happy PPF!

  6. August 7th, 2011 at 10:04 | #6

    What a strong painting that speaks loudly. Very touching.

  7. geckostone
    August 7th, 2011 at 09:44 | #7

    Oh Mimi your painting is stunning! Her beauty takes my breath away! You are sooooooo talented!!!!And the words brought a tear to my eyes, so true your thoughts are! Deb

  8. August 7th, 2011 at 08:45 | #8

    Beautiful portrait, she has such sadness in her eyes, but a lovely face.

  9. August 7th, 2011 at 02:32 | #9

    This is a wonderfully strong portrait Mimi of this proud woman.

  10. August 6th, 2011 at 23:53 | #10

    I adore your paintings. This one is so emotional and expressive. I simply love it and it somehow made me sad.

  11. August 6th, 2011 at 21:04 | #11

    This is a powerful portrait… Beautiful.

  12. August 6th, 2011 at 15:23 | #12

    This is a wonderful portrait. You caught her expression perfectly.

  13. August 6th, 2011 at 14:02 | #13

    This is a wonderful painting. So powerful. You really captured her.

    Happy PPF!

  14. August 6th, 2011 at 11:04 | #14

    This is stunning. Such a proud looking woman and such a gorgeous portrait of her. I am intrigued to learn more about this website you got the photo from. thanks for sharing.

  15. August 6th, 2011 at 04:51 | #15

    Looks like a beautiful strong woman to me. Wonderful painting Dxx

  16. August 5th, 2011 at 19:35 | #16

    Wow, what a powerful portrait. You gave her life again.

  17. August 5th, 2011 at 18:53 | #17

    Amazing job. Beautiful – you gave her life again!

  18. August 5th, 2011 at 17:30 | #18

    Brings tears to my eyes ~ Well done ~ You are very talented.

    Happy PPF ~ Carol ^_^ (Share the Creative Journey)

  19. August 5th, 2011 at 13:33 | #19

    Such a poignant expressive piece. I love that you are using old photos of strangers and bringing them back to life.

  20. August 5th, 2011 at 12:38 | #20

    Love this picture. Her expression says so much.

  21. Annette G
    August 5th, 2011 at 12:13 | #21

    Fabulous picture, such a wonderful woman. Enjoy the weekend, Happy PPF, Annette x

  22. August 5th, 2011 at 11:54 | #22

    Mimi, what a fine painting! You have captured all sorts of emotions. I see a sort of “I can’t believe this is happening” in her eyes. Beautifully painted.

  23. August 3rd, 2011 at 21:42 | #23

    It is the look of a woman practicing forbearance – waiting – centuries, if needed – for all the wrongs committed against her and her people to be righted. And faith that they will. A strong, implacable look – you captured it excellently

  24. August 1st, 2011 at 18:43 | #24

    I LOVE this woman, your rendition of her. I cannot believe she did anything wrong at all. I want to put my arms out to her because of your impression of her on canvas. Thank you, Mimi!

  25. August 1st, 2011 at 09:56 | #25

    It looks just like a faded photograph. You really did nail it!

  26. Mari
    August 1st, 2011 at 06:28 | #26

    Well done Mimi!

  27. August 1st, 2011 at 04:28 | #27

    Yes, you nailed it. Done ‘affettuoso’.

  28. Donald
    July 31st, 2011 at 20:31 | #28

    Very nice, Mimi. I really like the way you got the expression in her eyes so well.

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