In the Fall 2024 issue of Historic New England magazine, we featured a commissioned portrait of Ona Judge. Now displayed at Langdon House in Portsmouth, New Hampshire—a site that played a role in Judge’s escape from enslavement—the portrait honors her courage and ensures that visitors learn her remarkable story. In celebration of Black History Month, we are sharing some of artist Maya Michaud’s preliminary sketches and detailed photographs of the portrait, which highlight the rich texture of the artwork.
Michaud’s portrait captures the strength and perseverance of Ona “Oney” Judge Staines, who defied the odds to claim her freedom. Since no known images of Judge exist, Michaud used herself as the sitter. Drawing from historical portraiture techniques, she depicts Judge in her twenties, standing with quiet determination as she navigates her new life as a free woman.
The composition, lighting, and color palette symbolize Judge’s resilience, the hardships she endured, and the hope that sustained her. Michaud integrates newspaper clippings into the piece, emphasizing the role of the written word in preserving history and highlighting the significance of Judge’s legacy. Every detail, from the textures of her clothing to the red in her shawl, reflects the sacrifices, struggles, and strength that defined her life.
All artwork by Maya Michaud.
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