The artwork titled “Mammy” is a portrait painted by Archibald Motley in 1924. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece is part of the Art Deco movement.
The artwork depicts a dignified elderly woman seated against a neutral background. She is dressed in a blue and white checkered garment, complemented by a soft lavender scarf secured with a small brooch. Her head is adorned with an orange patterned headwrap. Her expression is serene yet resilient, and she holds a bowl with both hands, containing what appears to be pears. The use of light and shadow in the painting accentuates the depth and texture of her clothing and skin, highlighting Motley’s adeptness in capturing the essence of his subject with profound realism and empathy.
