Illustration by Maria Manhattan
Alice Neel was born on January 28, 1900 in Merion Square, Pennsylvania and spent her childhood in the small town of Colwyn, PA. In 1921, she enrolled in the Philadelphia School of Design for Women (now Moore College of Art) and graduated in 1925, the year in which she married. Alice’s earlier adult life was marked by personal tragedy and difficulties, which she credits for putting her in touch with her creative force. Alice Neel’s work was finally noticed in the 1960s, when she was over sixty years old. She achieved great success and recognition for her bold, unconventional and exciting portraits.
