In the hustle and bustle of busy campus life, it’s sometimes easy to miss the beauty around you. This is even the case in the Henry Madden Library, where unique artwork from internationally renowned artists are routinely on display. As hundreds of daily visitors rush to Starbucks for their caffeine fix on the second floor of the Library, they usually pass by the 1964 Kristin Saleri painting, Ulkiye – The Village Lady.

Saleri (1915 – 1987) was a prominent 20th century Turkish artist of Armenian descent, recognized as a child prodigy at an early age. A prolific artist, she produced over 3,000 pieces of art during her long career in Istanbul. Despite the challenges presented by her gender and ethnicity, she secured her place as a member of the founding generation that created modern art in Turkey. During the spring 2016 semester, the Library had the unprecedented opportunity to present a retrospective exhibition of artwork by Saleri.

Ulkiye is unquestionably one of Saleri’s most celebrated works, featuring the artist’s family housekeeper and nanny. This reverent portrait depicts her as almost a force of nature, one with the soil and landscape of Turkey.

Ulkiye is leaving soon as a new Saleri painting will take its place. Next time you head toward Starbucks, take a moment to admire this unique painting before it’s gone.