The Story of "Women Who Shatter Barriers" 

Harriet Tubman

Note: I painted “Harriet in February 2020, prior to the George Floyd / Black Lives Matter protests. I cannot think of a better time to re-visit the portrait of this amazing, smart, brave, courageous, strong woman.

I continue my “Women Who Shatter Barriers” seres as a tribute to women I admire for their courage, contribution, brilliance, and heart.

Harriet Tubman was on my list of “to do” portraits for awhile. I had a lot of requests in 2019 for her, perhaps because of the 2019 release of the film, “Harriet,” which tells the heroic story of her escape from slavery through the dangerous missions she led to liberate at least 70 slaves using a network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.

I added Harriet Tubman to my “Women Who Shatter Barriers” series in February 2020. Whenever I make a portrait for the series, I research my subject so that I get to know her a bit. For Harriet I read the recent book, “She Came to Slay. The life and Times of Harriet Tubman.” Everyone knows of Harriet’s courage as an abolitionist. But to get the true depth of her courage, grit, and strength I suggest reading “She Came to Slay.” It’s a slim book packed with mountains of info about Harriet’s life. I’m posting this portrait now because I think it’s a good time to further examine the abhorrent history of slavery & racism in the USA..

FACT: In 2016, the U.S. Treasury Department announced that the countenance of Harriet Tubman will appear on a new $20 bill. AS OF JUNE 2020 - THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED!!

So many young moms and daughters have requested I add her portrait to my "Women Who Shatter Barriers" series. So, here she is! I hope you like this portrait of a truly courageous and bold young woman.

I use the highest quality artist oil paint.

I create the background images of the portraits digitally with photoshop. I then print, adhere, and prime the background on an 8x10 inch canvas panel. I paint the subject of the portrait with oil paint over the primed background. 

I take every step to ensure the image is as accurate as possible to the original painting. However, variations in color may occur due to monitor differences. 

For inquiries and purchases, contact me at christina@christinatarkoff.com, or simply use the "ADD TO CART" button.