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Albert Murray 1906-1992

here are those who believe that the greatest of all American portrait painters — after John Singer Sargent — was Albert Murray, the legendary New York artist (1906-1992) who created some of the most memorable and effective portraits ever painted in this country. An Albert Murray portrait was characterized by consummate draftsmanship, exquisite color, flawless craftsmanship — resulting in a truly penetrating rendition of the personality of the subject. Here are four outstanding examples of Al Murray's magnificent art:

2. Charles F. Kettering One of the unforgettable sights of New York is the collection of Albert Murray portraits in the lobby of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Institute on Manhattan's East Side. Here the painter takes a page from the Spanish master Velasquez, with a plain background blending from deep dark at the top of the canvas to a middle value below. The subject stands, hands in pockets, genially returning the gaze of the viewer. As in the Billy Wingate portrait, here both the light and shadow sides of the head are lighter than the background, while the shadow tones of the suit contrast strongly with the space behind. Here are the Albert Murray hallmarks — simplicity of conception, painstaking accuracy in detail, thoroughness and solidity in execution. Oil on canvas, 1960 50 x 40 inches Collection, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Institute page 1 2 3 4

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