What draws me into this painting are the swirled patterns behind the sitter, the flatness of the curved shapes from a limited palette of pink, light blue and muted greys. The swathes of pattern are juxtaposed to the vibrant red of the sitter’s jacket, the deep folds in her drapery reveal bold horizontal stripes of black and brown in her pants, hands are folded in her lap. Her face, the blushed, high cheekbones, pressed red lips and her direct gaze peek through a mesh of netting from her dark, bowl-shaped hat. Her expression, pensive, her character unrevealed against that ornamented background and the drape of that red jacket.
The woman depicted, “Jade,” by early 20th century painter and portrait artist Gertrude Fiske emulates her aesthetic of creating strong depictions of women in traditional scenes, the vibrant colors mirror the interior of her woman, powerful and bold. Unlike the popular style of composing women in interiors that denote their fragility and gentility, “Jade” has a strong sense of self within the harmonious ornamentation of patterns and textures.
Recently I purchased a red, velvet jacket for a gala event to support the Linda Clemens Foundation and their mission to provide a variety of services and care packages for women who are undergoing breast cancer treatment. “Jade” inspired my pairing of the red jacket and fuscia pink blouse; the bold colors, a sheath to my adventurous and creative spirit. I am seated in the picture next to a wonderful family friend, Sarmita, the pink banner across my chest was worn by every participant at the gala; honoring breast cancer survivors.
Gertrude Fisk was well established and respected Impressionist figure and landscape painter. Above and beyond her artistic accomplishments, the native New Englander was a leading artist of the Boston School, founding member of the Guild of Boston Artists and Associate member of the National Academy of Design. You can learn more about her at National Academy of Design. https://www.nationalacademy.org/ You can also view the painting at the New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, Connecticut through January 2020 in the exhibition, “For America: Paintings from the National Academy of Design” http://www.nbmaa.org