It’s true — I can’t see a portrait with this kind of raw strength and sass without recalling Maya Angelou’s soul-inspiring poetry. I think Anguissola would approve — she made a bit of a career (in all senses of the words) out of understanding, depicting, and promoting herself. Is it any wonder that she made more self-portraits than any other artist of the era?
Or to put it a little differently:
Now you understand
Maya Angelou, “Phenomenal Woman” – from “And Still I Rise”
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Amen, Maya. A-frickin’-men.
Shot on Pixel 6 Pro.
Muttering Retreats 