Updated October 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 9 works by Charles Alston in our catalogue
In short
Portrait of A Girl (1940) is the Charles Alston painting that draws the most eyes; the original belongs to the The Kinsey African American Art - History Collection, Los Angeles. After it, the eye goes to Young Boy (1938) and Untitled (Seven Figures) (1949). Among the 9 works of Charles Alston in our catalog, these 9 are the most famous, each a unique original presented with its year, its museum and the reason it endures.
Portrait of A Girl is an oil painting on canvas created in 1940. The work is a portrait of a woman with short hair, depicted wearing a white shirt. She is shown sitting down, looking directly at the viewer with an expression that appears somewhat stern or serious. The background of the composition features a chair that is partially visible on the left side of the frame.
The 3 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Charles Alston | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 The Kinsey African American Art - History Collection |
Los Angeles | 1 | Portrait of A Girl |
 Smithsonian American Art Museum |
Washington, D.C. | 1 | Young Boy |
 Whitney Museum of American Art |
New York | 1 | The Family |
Pick a decade to see the original that defines it.
Portrait of A Girl is an oil painting on canvas created in 1940. The work is a portrait of a woman with short hair, depicted wearing a white shirt. She is shown sitting down, looking directly at the viewer with an expression that appears somewhat stern or serious. The background of the composition features a chair that is partially visible on the left side of the frame.
Portrait of A Girl (1940), The Kinsey African American Art - History Collection, Los Angeles. Young Boy (1938) and Untitled (Seven Figures) (1949) come next.
33 years old: Portrait of A Girl dates from 1940, and Charles Alston was born in 1907.
Our catalog holds 9 works by Charles Alston, dated from 1938 to 1963.
Mostly in The Kinsey African American Art - History Collection (Los Angeles), Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington, D.C.) and Whitney Museum of American Art (New York). The museum table above lists them all.
In 1940s: 3 of the 9 works on this page were made then, Portrait of A Girl among them.
On this page, the earliest is Young Boy (1938) and the latest Seated Woman (1963).
Charles Henry Alston (1907-1977) was a pivotal American artist – painter, sculptor, illustrator, muralist, and educator – deeply embedded within the vibrant cultural landscape of the Harlem Renaissance. His work served as both an artistic expression and a powerful statement about Black identity and community.
Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Alston’s family moved to New York City during his childhood. He received a solid education, graduating from DeWitt Clinton High School in 1925. His artistic talent was evident early on, leading him to study at the Harlem Art Workshop and later at Yale University School of Fine Arts, where he earned both a B.A. (1929) and an M.F.A. (1931). This formal training provided a foundation for his evolving style.
Alston’s artistic journey was shaped by a diverse range of influences. He admired the work of modernist masters like Pablo Picasso and Amedeo Modigliani, drawn to their simplified forms and expressive qualities. Simultaneously, he found profound inspiration in African art, recognizing its powerful symbolism and aesthetic strength. These combined influences led him to develop a unique style characterized by flattened perspectives, bold colors, and a focus on capturing the essence of his subjects.
The 1930s proved crucial for Alston’s career. He became the first African American supervisor for the Federal Art Project (FAP) of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This role was groundbreaking, allowing him to provide opportunities for numerous Black artists during a time of economic hardship and racial discrimination. He also actively created murals as part of the WPA’s efforts to beautify public spaces, notably at Harlem Hospital – these murals remain significant examples of his commitment to community art.
Charles Henry Alston’s significance extends beyond his artistic achievements. He was a dedicated educator, teaching at various institutions including Yale University and the High School of Art and Design in New York City. He believed strongly in empowering African Americans through cultural enrichment and artistic advancement. His work challenged racial stereotypes and contributed to a more inclusive representation of Black life in American art history.
Throughout his career, Alston continued to exhibit his work and receive recognition for his contributions. He remained committed to social justice and used his art as a platform for advocacy. His legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and activists, solidifying his place as a vital figure in American art history.
His works can be found in numerous collections including the Syracuse University Art Collection and other museums across the United States.
