“Portrait of My Mother,” painted by Archibald Motley in 1931, is a piece executed in oil on canvas. The artwork belongs to the Art Deco movement and is categorized under the genre of portraiture.
The artwork depicts a seated woman, presumably the artist’s mother, exuding an aura of composure and grace. She is adorned in a dark, elegant dress, accented with a delicate necklace and earrings. The woman is seated in a wicker chair, and her hands are gently clasping what appears to be a fan. The background features a richly detailed mantel, above which hangs a portrait of another individual, possibly indicating a familial connection. The meticulous attention to detail and the subtle use of color and light give the portrait a nearly photographic realism, capturing the dignified presence of the subject. The presence of decorative elements such as the statuette and the ornate upholstery highlights the Art Deco influence, emphasizing luxury and refinement.
