African

Ancient Mediterranean

Asian

European and American

Art since 1900

Art since 1900

The cultures of New Orleans, where Archibald Motley was born, and Chicago, where he later lived, inspired many of the artist's paintings. During the years 1913-1931, Motley painted numerous portraits of middle- and upper-class African Americans, often family members or friends, to promote greater understanding among white viewers of his black heritage. His images of mixed-race women often portray the Creole culture of Louisiana with its various racial hierarchies. They represent African American women with dignity, in response to such negative stereotypes as the "Mammy" or "Jezebel." They were some of the first paintings by an African American artist to receive critical acclaim by European and American gallery owners and curators. In 1928, Motley became the second black artist to have a one-man exhibition in New York City.

In this portrait of his paternal grandmother, Emily Motley, the artist uses objects to emphasize her history, home life and values. Mrs. Motley mends the family socks, her daily routine. Arranged as a still life, the bowl of fruit, lantern and pile of books on the table mark her as a member of the educated bourgeoisie. The crucifix above attests to the strength of her religious faith, while the oval painting of her former mistress, revealed only in part, serves as a visual reminder of Mrs. Motley's former life as an enslaved woman.