Mrs. Gallois 

This is Mark Tobey's pencil on paper portrait of Mrs. Gallois. The piece echoes the delicate aesthetic of the early 20th century while also displaying a more modernist approach to portraiture. Born in Wisconsin, Tobey's artistic journey took him from commercial art to explorations of abstraction, deeply influenced by his engagement with Eastern philosophies, and the Baháʼí Faith. This spiritual intersection is subtle here, but it underscores Tobey's pursuit of universal connections through art. Mrs. Gallois is captured with soft lines and a focus on her gaze, which draws us into her presence. The wisps of hair framing her face and the gentle shading suggest both vulnerability and strength. While the portrait adheres to traditional conventions of representing women, there is a quiet subversion in its simplicity. Tobey avoids idealizing his subject, presenting her instead with an understated authenticity. This work invites us to consider the emotional and intellectual lives of women beyond societal expectations.