Mammy

Mammy, a notable portrait by Archibald John Motley, Jr., exemplifies his vibrant approach to depicting the African-American experience during the Chicago Black Renaissance. Created with oil on canvas, the painting captures the warmth, resilience, and cultural richness of Black life in the early 20th century. Motley’s use of Art deco-inspired colors and forms reflects the artistic currents of the time, blending modern styles with traditional portrait techniques. As a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, Motley’s work documents a pivotal era of African-American artistic achievement across the nation.