Lucy M. Stanton – A North Carolina Mountain Woman Metropolitan Museum: part 4

The work presents a portrait of a woman seated in a simple wooden chair. The composition is straightforward; she occupies nearly the entire frame, directing the viewers attention directly toward her face. Her gaze is averted slightly to the right, suggesting introspection or perhaps a quiet observation of something beyond the immediate scene.
Here we see an older woman with deeply etched lines around her eyes and mouth, indicative of a life lived under challenging conditions. The artist has rendered these features with a deliberate lack of softening; there’s no attempt at idealization. Her hair is pulled back severely from her face, emphasizing the angularity of her bone structure. The clothing she wears – a dark, somewhat shapeless garment tied at the neck – contributes to an overall impression of austerity and practicality.
The color palette is restrained, dominated by earthy tones: browns, ochres, and muted greens. These colors reinforce a sense of connection to the land and suggest a life lived close to nature. The background is indistinct, rendered in washes of warm brown that seem to blend with the chair itself, further isolating the figure and emphasizing her presence.
The brushwork appears loose and expressive, particularly noticeable in the rendering of the clothing where the fabric seems almost translucent. This technique lends a sense of immediacy and vulnerability to the portrait. The artist’s handling of light is noteworthy; it falls unevenly across the face, highlighting certain features while leaving others in shadow, contributing to the complexity of her expression.
Subtleties within the work suggest themes beyond a simple likeness. The womans posture conveys a quiet dignity and resilience. Her averted gaze might imply a weariness or perhaps a deep understanding that transcends words. The simplicity of her attire and surroundings speaks to a life devoid of material excess, hinting at values centered on endurance and self-sufficiency. There’s an underlying sense of melancholy, but also a palpable strength emanating from the subject; she embodies a quiet fortitude born of hardship. Ultimately, the portrait evokes a feeling of respect for a woman who has lived a full and likely demanding life.