2. Thomas J. Watson, Sr.
This famous painting is Albert Murray
at his quintessential best. The
brilliantly rendered head contrasts
sharply with the dark background.
The brush technique is careful and
the execution is deliberate and
finished—very few bravura flourishes
here. The subject has been studying
a report, and, pausing, he removes
his reading glasses and contemplates
the viewer. There is enormous dignity
and gravity in the expression. The
painter would do well to study the
strong, simple lighting on the head,
and the eloquent rendering of the
detail of the chair. This is the
classic work of a master portraitist
who knows exactly what he is doing.
Oil
on canvas, 1977
40 x 36 inches
Collection, IBM Corporation
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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: