Vanitas- Women of Power
2020
oil on wood panel
48" x 48"
Women of Power is a large-scale floral painting that draws inspiration from Baroque still-life traditions, complete with insects and naturalistic detail, to honor women who have shaped political, cultural, and societal landscapes. Each flower symbolizes a specific figure: Queen Anne’s lace represents Ruth Bader Ginsburg; a daffodil, inspired by one of her own works, honors artist Alma Thomas; a Black-eyed Susan stands for Nancy Pelosi; and a bee pays tribute to the “queen bee” herself, Beyoncé. The composition centers around a five-finger vase—a historical domestic artifact—referencing the colonial era and recontextualizing it as a vessel for female strength and legacy.
All images copyright Margaret Murphy, 2000 - 2025