Born Beatrice Romaine Goddard in Rome in 1874, Brooks' early life was marked by her mother's disinterest and a rigid Victorian upbringing. She escaped to Europe in her teens, eventually finding her true calling in painting. After marrying the wealthy but impoverished pianist John Ellingham Brooks, she adopted the androgynous name Romaine and immersed herself in the Parisian art scene.

Brooks' portraits, often featuring women with androgynous features and dark, brooding expressions, challenged traditional notions of beauty and gender. Her work was influenced by artists such as James McNeill Whistler and the aestheticism movement. Her most famous portraits include those of the Russian dancer Ida Rubinstein, the writer Jean Cocteau, and her long-time lover, Natalie Clifford Barney.

Her relationship with Barney was central to her life and work. Barney's salon was a meeting place for many of the most influential women of her time, and Brooks' portraits of these women often celebrated their independence and individuality. Her iconic portrait of Barney, “L'Amazone,“ depicts her lover as a powerful and defiant figure, challenging traditional gender roles.

Brooks' work is characterized by its dark palette, strong lines, and psychological intensity. Her portraits often explore themes of identity, sexuality, and power. She was a master of capturing the inner life of her subjects, and her work continues to resonate with contemporary audiences. (hs)