American, 1888-1960 Flowers, c.1935-1943 Oil on canvas 29 1/2” x 23 1/4” The Brooklyn College Library Collection In 1913, Allen Lee Swisher studied with Jean-Paul Laurens at the renowned Académie Julian in Paris, and later in New York with Harry Mills Walcott. He is known predominantly as a portrait painter. Swisher painted this lush and abundant bouquet of wildflowers with confidence and verve. His exuberance perhaps reflects the optimism the WPA engendered in many aspiring American artists. Federal Art Project Living New Deal
Still life
2 posts
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 Federal Art Project Living New Deal
