Negress In White Hat
Artist
Vernon Ellis
(American, 1886-1944)
CultureAmerican
Date1935
MediumOil on canvas
DimensionsOverall: 30 x 25 in. (76.2 x 63.5 cm)
Overall, Frame: 35 1/4 x 30 1/4 in. (89.5 x 76.8 cm)
Overall, Frame: 35 1/4 x 30 1/4 in. (89.5 x 76.8 cm)
InscribedSigned lower left corner: Vernon Ellis 1935
Credit LineGiven in memory of the artist by his sister, Anna Ellis Cubberly
Object number46.31.1
Not on view
DescriptionPortrays an older woman, in a large white hat with black feathers, yellow dress (over green showing at top of neck), lavender scarf with white rose seated facing forward. Most of the arms and left hand show. Gilt frame with gray wash.Label TextVernon Ellis American, 1886-1944 Negress in White Hat, 1935 Oil on canvas The artist has chosen to depict the solemn expression of a mature African American woman. The bright, vibrant colors of her dress and scarf contrast her expression and makes one wonder her state of mind. Unfortunately little is known about the sitter, including her name. The artist may not have known her name or wanted to keep her anonymous, resulting in Ellis' reference to her as a "Negress." This term "negress" is jarring as it is not used in contemporary language. The word actually has a long history, deriving from the mid-to-late eighteenth century French word négresse, the feminine form of négre, meaning negro. Negro, a now antiquated word meaning a person who ancestry comes from the continent of Africa, was a common English-language term used throughout the twentieth century until about a generation ago. Despite the painting's problematic title and the lack of knowledge about the sitter, one can appreciate her frank, confrontational expression. Though the viewer may not know her, she will definitely not let the viewer forget her. 46.31.1 Given in memory of the artist by his sister, Anna Ellis Cubberly ProvenanceCollection of the artist; Anna Ellis (Mrs. George E.) Cubberly, the artist's sister, Norfolk, Va.; Gift of Mrs. George E. Cubberly to the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences, Norfolk, Va., 1946.
20th century
H.F. Maneely
