L’Amazone

The painting L'Amazone was created by Romaine Brooks, an American painter known for her penetrating portraits. Brooks's work, often characterized by muted grays and occasional bright colors, was influenced by James McNeill Whistler. She moved to Paris in 1905, becoming part of artistic and literary circles. Her portrait of her lover, Natalie Clifford Barney, titled The Amazon (c. 1920), is considered one of her finest works. In this portrait, Barney, an accomplished horsewoman, is depicted with a miniature horse, symbolizing her prowess. Brooks's portraits were often so honest they were not exhibited by her subjects.1