With its enigmatic air and straightforward composition, this 1926 portrait of Szyk’s wife, Julia, is reminiscent of da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, a nod to Szyk’s knowledge of and love for art history. The richly patterned border, and the treatment of furnishings and wall coverings is at odds with Julia’s black austere dress, and serves to make her the focus of the work. She wears a Star of David around her neck indicating her Jewish faith. Only the hint of a patterned chemise underneath her outer garments, and her rich red collar, suggest intimacy and her personality: there was more to her than immediately apparent.