American, 1911-1992
Magnolia, c.1935-1943
Pastel
19 3/8” x 14”
The Brooklyn College Library Collection
Born to an Italian immigrant family in New Haven, CT., Volpe eventually migrated to Hollywood where he designed both sets and costumes for the film industry. His portraits of movie stars such as Spencer Tracy, Betty Davis, and Katherine Hepburn won him a lifetime contract to execute portraits for the Academy Awards. This led to further commissions from top recording artists and sports luminaries, as well as major political figures such as John F. Kennedy and Winston Churchill.
Volpe was twenty-six years old and practicing his craft when he created this delicate pastel while working for the WPA
