Alex Katz (b. 1927) has been dedicated to art-making since the 1950's - however, it wasn't until the 60's when he established his signature 'flat' figurative style. Over the succeeding decades, Katz kept the tradition of figurative painting alive as it had gone out of style.Â
His portraitsâfrequently depicting his wife, family, and close friendsâemphasize the flatness of the picture plane while maintaining a strong connection to realism. This intimately-scaled watercolor, "Vincent," captures Katz's son, a frequent subject in his oeuvre.
Realized in shades of grey with varying levels of opacity, there is a strong ambiguity to the mood of the young man. While at first the picture seems pleasant, upon further reflection, the sitter's eyes become vulnerable, perhaps even pleading. This cool or detached vibe is a common mood throughout Katz's oeuvre and what makes his portraits so compelling. Typical of Katz's works on paper, this was a study for a painting--"Vincent and Tony," 1969, now in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
This portrait is part of a series of drawings that Katz produced for a special edition of John Ashbery's 1969 publication Fragment, published by Black Sparrow Press. He contributed an original work for the first 20 copies, each the same size and made using inkwash and pen. The drawings were a part of the colophon page of the book.
The original book will be included with the purchase of this fantastic work on paper.
Click here to see another image of Alex Katz's son nearly 15 years later.Â
Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery.
"Vincent"
USA, 1969
Watercolor on paper
Signed "Alex Katz" on face, bottom right
5.75âH 4.75âW (sheet)
11.25"H 10.75"W (framed)
Very good condition.
Note: images of the book available by request
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