Mrs. Battle

Despite seeming like an exercise of artistic license, the actual name of the woman depicted in this portrait is Margaret "Ritchie" Battle. The title, combined with the powerful image of a singular woman in a Chanel suit against a broad dark background, creates an air of both dignity and defiance. Without depending upon props or narrative, the artist, George A. Weymouth, relies on a simple hand gesture and telling facial expression to convey a great deal about Mrs. Battle’s character. Weymouth recalled, "She is a small woman, and she used her hands like this all the time. People think she felt superior. I don't think so, I think she was always about to laugh. She had great style."