Ilse Martha Bischoff (American, 1901–1990)
oil on canvas
34 1/8 x 32 1/4 in. (86.68 x 81.92 cm)
Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Gift of the artist. Artwork published under fair use.
Almost a century after Eastman Johnson painted “Dinah,” Black women were still often identified with the term “Negress” in the visual arts in Europe and America. American artist Ilse Martha Bischoff employed the term in the original title of this work, Mary (Portrait of a Negress). While it is unknown how Bischoff encountered Mary, the artist takes time to carefully render the seated woman’s face, making it clear that this portrait is of an individual named Mary and not an archetypal figure. Mary’s expression is warm but distant; she does not make eye contact with the viewer. Set against a blank background, we are invited to craft our own story of Mary’s life. The only information given to us is her brown skin, colorful floral hat, and illuminated shawl draped delicately around her arm, showcasing her keen sense of fashion and self-presentation.