Romaine Brooks (1874–1970) was an American-born painter known for her portraits of androgynous figures.

Brooks was born in Rome, Italy, and raised in the United States before moving to Paris. She became part of the artistic avant-garde in Paris during the early 20th century, where she developed her distinctive style. Her portraits often depicted women in dark, elegant settings, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of her subjects. Brooks was known for her exploration of gender, sexuality, and identity, focusing on androgynous forms and portraying women in powerful, non-traditional ways.

In addition to her striking portraiture, Brooks worked in a variety of media, including oil, watercolor, and pastels. Her subjects often conveyed a sense of quiet strength and introspection, with many of her works reflecting her own sense of isolation and complex personal experiences. Throughout her career, she maintained a private life and was known for her involvement in the queer community, forming relationships with prominent women, including the writer Natalie Clifford Barney.

Despite her significant contributions to the art world, Brooks's work has remained relatively underappreciated until more recent rediscovery. Her focus on gender fluidity, along with her unconventional portrayal of women, has become increasingly relevant in contemporary discussions on identity. Today, Romaine Brooks is regarded as a pioneering figure in both portraiture and LGBTQ+ history, influencing generations of artists and challenging traditional ideas of gender and representation in art.

Image attribution: Romaine Brooks, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons and Romaine Brooks, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons