Joanna de Silva 1792

William Wood painted this oil on canvas portrait of Joanna de Silva in 1792. De Silva, described in the inscription as “a woman of color,” was the caretaker to the children of Lieutenant Colonel Charles DeBeze. The painting provides a glimpse into the complex social structures of the colonial era. De Silva's clothing and jewelry indicate a certain level of status. Her gaze, directed away from the viewer, suggests both dignity and perhaps a hint of defiance, challenging the typical power dynamics of portraiture in which the sitter is objectified and positioned as subordinate. Wood's decision to portray De Silva is significant. It raises questions about representation, agency, and the ways in which individuals of color navigated their identities within a society marked by racial inequality and colonial power. The painting serves as a reminder of the individuals whose stories often go untold. It invites us to consider their experiences and contributions.