Masked Women #1, Oval Oil Portrait in a Gold Frame by Palmer Schoppe

"Masked Woman", 1991 – Palmer Schoppe
A haunting portrait of mystery, elegance, and timeless femininity

With Masked Woman, dated 1991, Palmer Schoppe delivers a captivating homage to the aesthetics of theatricality and enigma. This oval-framed portrait, painted with classical precision and modern sensitivity, immediately draws the viewer into the inner world of its subject — a woman of both poise and secrecy, her identity veiled by a dark, enigmatic mask.

The woman’s gaze, direct yet distant, evokes a sense of withheld emotion — a tension between presence and absence, revelation and concealment. Her auburn curls, pale skin, and pearl necklace conjure an 18th-century grace, while the dramatic black mask and golden headpiece introduce a layer of psychological intrigue, almost operatic in tone. The muted mauve background allows the figure to emerge as if from a dream or memory.

Palmer Schoppe (1912–2001), an American artist and illustrator known for his dynamic work throughout the mid-20th century, brought a strong sense of graphic clarity and romanticism to his paintings. Although he began his career illustrating for major magazines and advertising campaigns, Schoppe’s later works, such as Masked Woman, reveal a deeper, more introspective approach. Painted in the final decade of his life, this piece reflects an artist turning toward timeless themes — beauty, identity, and the masks we wear.

Created in 1991, this painting subtly reflects the cultural moment of the late 20th century, marked by a renewed interest in classical portraiture, the Baroque revival in fashion and art, and the psychological depth explored in postmodern expression. In many ways, Masked Woman stands at a crossroads between nostalgia and modernity — a portrait not of a specific person, but of the concept of allure itself.

REFERENCE NUMBER: LU654316414562
PERIOD: 1990-1999
CONDITION: Good
MEASUREMENTS: Height: 22.5" Width: 16.5" Depth: 1.5"
COUNT: 1
MATERIAL: Oil
CREATOR: Palmer Schoppe