Contemporary
Masterpieces We Admire
Artist: Ronald N. Sherr
New York, New York
Subject: President George H.W. Bush
Oil on canvas
The National Portrait Gallery,
Smithsonian Institution.
Washington, D.C.
 his
stunning painting is one of the masterpieces in the collection
of the National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C. This painting
has everything – elegance, style, dignity, plus an intimate
insight into the character and personality of the famous sitter.
This is, in other words, a great portrait.
The President’s head and figure are sharply etched in
contrasting light and shade. Note how the deep void of the
fireplace flows into the dark of the figure to anchor the
main subject and create a feeling of rock-solid sureness.
This solid anchor allows the artist to render the impression
of the White House interior with deft, free, liquid washes
of oil color. There is no cloying or oppressive detail. In
fact, the effect of the background details seem to be to give
us a feeling of style and grace, rather than of raw power.
This, plus the look in the President’s face which is
kindly yet strong reminds us of the transitory nature of authority
in our republic.
There are several master touches in this great painting.
The shimmering light of the window reflecting in the mirror
is dazzling in its realism. Every artist will be fascinated
by the treatment of the doorway. A White House doorway, mind
you, brushed-in here with a few casual back-and-forth sweeps
of the brush! This moves our eye quickly back to the President,
whose friendly yet firm expression commands our attention.
This is contemporary portrait painting at its thrilling best.
J.H.S.
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