Photographer: Donna Ferrato

Title: "Rita"

Donna Ferrato: "Rita," Philadelphia, 1985

Rita, a survivor of domestic violence, was beaten by her husband in the presence of her sons. The portrait of Rita, with two black eyes, ran on the front page of The Philadelphia Inquirer in 1985. Nine years later, she agreed to have her portrait on the cover of Time magazine, becoming the first battered woman on the cover of a national publication. She eventually pressed charges against her husband and divorced him. Donna Ferrato, who captured the image, says, "Rita is unbeatable."

Donna Ferrato (American, b. 1949)

Donna Ferrato is known for her fearless and powerful documentation of domestic violence. In 1982, the Japanese version of Playboy asked her to photograph couples who epitomized America's culture of conspicuous consumption. After she saw one wealthy husband brutally beat his wife, Ferrato embarked on a decades-long mission of documenting the abuse endured by women. She visited women's shelters, emergency rooms and prisons, and accompanied police on numerous domestic violence calls. Her photographs were published in Life, The New York Times Magazine, Time, and The Los Angeles Times, among others. Ferrato's honors include the W. Eugene Smith Grant, a Kodak Crystal Eagle Award, and the Lucie Foundation photobook award for her latest book, "Holy." Her first book, "Living With the Enemy," sparked a nationwide discussion on domestic violence and women's rights. She founded the Domestic Abuse Awareness Project, a non-profit that produces exhibitions about domestic violence and supports women's shelters.

Signed by photographer

Image size: 25 x 16 inches (landscape)

Approx. framed size: 33 x 24.5 inches