Artstor. (n.d.). Artstor. library.artstor.org. https://library.artstor.org/#/asset/28163268;prevRouteTS=1698157792730
Elva Azzara, 93, from Wise Women: A Celebration of Their Insights, Courage, and Beauty
The lighting of this portrait is fascinating. The woman’s face has minimal shadows and contrasts as the saturation seems to be down entirely. The contrast of the lightly shadowed skin in contrast with the solid black clothes she’s wearing creates an interesting boldness within the portrait. The brown background adds to this too. I also find the pose that the woman is in to be compelling. She seems happy and at peace with the way she is sitting and has her hands. Rather than taking a simple portrait with her smiling into the camera, this composition and perspective create thought and insight into her life.