Whether the artist intended it or not, there are many lessons we can draw from art, and some resonate deeper than others. In this episode of Beyond the Frame, we bring to life the heart and soul of our 1933 oil on canvas portrait of Anna Vaughn Hyatt by Marion Boyd Allen.

This larger-than-life painting portrays Anna not through the gaze of a man or a lover, but through the lens of a friend and admirer looking at someone and capturing their essence, their inner beauty. Anna was fierce, strong, and independent. In the early 1900’s when women, especially upper class women were expected to be quiet and demure, Anna stood out from the pack.

She took on the world, worked hard and defied odds. So, let’s break the mold and actively try to build one another up, just for the fun of it.

This series is made possible by the generous support of the Newport News Arts Commission and the York County Arts Commission.