Coquette 

Joseph Lorusso painted this portrait, entitled ‘Coquette’, with oils on canvas sometime after 1966. With its dark, muted tones and traditional subject matter, it might be tempting to see this as a modern take on an earlier era. But the title alerts us to a specifically modern theme: that of female flirtatiousness. The so-called ‘coquette’ was an important figure in early 20th century American literature, a woman who used her sexuality to get ahead in a patriarchal world. Note the knowing, almost cynical, look in the sitter’s eyes, a look which is accentuated by the angle of her brow and her parted lips. Lorusso’s composition and style is consciously conservative, while his subject matter speaks to a generation of women who feel empowered to use their sexuality to challenge the status quo. Further research into Lorusso’s other portraits may shed further light on this important artist and his commentary on the changing role of women in American society.