Self-Portrait During Pregnancy

In this large, signed and dated self-portrait painted in warm earth tones of watercolor, Elena Luksch-Makowsky depicts herself standing beside a propped-up canvas with an open sketchbook in her hand. Luksch-Makowsky’s chestnut hair echoes the reddish tones of her jacket and skirt as well as the blocks of color painted on the canvas. The deep black color of her turtleneck accentuates the paleness of her white skin. Standing in profile, Luksch-Makowsky calls attention to her large, pregnant belly protruding underneath her clothing. As she turns her head to confront the viewer with her direct gaze, Luksch-Makowsky dares us to recognize her as both an artist and mother-to-be.