What do you see going on in this work of art? Is there a story depicted?

The women is described as “unconventional”, as she is rebelling against the norms of femininity at the time. She carries herself with what would be considered a “masculine” energy which is revolutionary for her time.

What different visual elements (ie: line, color, light, proportions, scale, composition, media type etc.) do you notice, and how do they help you make sense of the artwork?

The way in which she is posing (composition) greatly differs from other women painted at the time. The light and the ways in which the artist frames Sarah forces the viewer to make eye contact with the woman, and confront their own views of masculinity and femininity.

What choices do you think the museum made about the object’s display?

The placement of the painting itself in the museum shows significance; placed next to conventionally attractive and posed women, the juxtaposition is extremely evident.

Group Members