Negress 1870

Konstantin Egorovich Makovsky painted this portrait titled 'Negress'. Though the exact date is unknown, it reflects the artist's engagement with orientalist themes, popular during the 19th century, which often exoticized non-European cultures. The sitter's bright smile and open gaze challenge the stereotypical, often demeaning, depictions of Black individuals common at the time. Yet, the title and the artist's gaze remind us of the power dynamics inherent in representation. While the subject appears to be portrayed with a degree of respect, the painting also exoticizes the woman, placing her within a visual framework that emphasizes her ‘otherness.’ Makovsky was one of the most fashionable Russian academic painters of the 19th century, so we must consider how race, class and gender intersect in this work. What does it mean to depict a Black woman in the context of Imperial Russia? What social and cultural role does this image play? Though visually appealing, this portrait invites us to reflect on the complexities of representation, power, and identity during a time of significant cultural exchange and colonial expansion.