A Free Woman of Color by Francois Fleischbein- Archival Art Print Reproduction | 1837 Vintage Art
This portrait, created by New Orleans artist François Fleischbein in 1828, depicts a woman of color with a modest smile, wearing a golden headwrap, earrings, and an elaborate, tiered lace collar with a golden bow over a black coat. While the portrait was originally painted with this ornate collar and bow, the artwork underwent an alteration in the early 20th century when the collar and bow were removed. This change resulted from societal pressures at the time, as the intricate ornamentation, which emphasized the subject's individuality, was deemed too elaborate or inappropriate for the period's portrayal of African American subjects.
In the 1990s, the collar and bow were carefully restored, returning the portrait to its original state. This restoration not only honored the artist’s vision but also acknowledged the subject’s cultural identity, reflecting a broader shift toward valuing historically accurate and culturally meaningful representations in art.
Product Details:
- Artwork is 8x10 inches on 8.5x11 paper
- Archival-quality museum-grade paper
- Fade Resistant Ink
- Satin Finish
- Unframed
Packaging and Notes:
We hand-pack all prints with care and ship in flat packaging to ensure their safe arrival. Please be aware that colors on your device screen may differ slightly from the print. Subtle signs of age from the original artwork may also be visible, enhancing the authenticity of the piece.