Artwork Record
Images
Metadata
Artist |
Igor Pantuhoff (1911-1972) |
Title |
Lenore Krassner |
Date |
1931 |
Medium |
Graphite on paper |
Dimensions |
13 3/4 x 12 in. |
Description |
Born into an aristocratic Russian family that immigrated to the United States after the 1918 revolution, Pantuhoff met Lenore Krassner, as she was known at that time, when they were both studying at the National Academy of Design. Pantuhoff was a talented and well respected artist who won multiple prizes at the academy, and was especially admired for portraiture. In 1930, just before he and Krasner began living together, he was awarded a scholarship that allowed him to travel to Europe to study the Old Masters. This frontal portrait of Krasner, age 22 or 23, was drawn early in their 10-year relationship. Her eyes are wide and dark, with dilated pupils, staring straight ahead but seeming not to focus on anything in particular. He has emphasized her heart-shaped face, full lips, and waving hair falling gracefully to her shoulders. She wears a scarf loosely draped around her neck, and a soft floral blouse. All of these features suggest a warm and romantic character, though as a student Krasner was considered opinionated and even stubborn. She was committed to her art and expected to be taken seriously. Here, however, her lover shows her in a flattering light, accentuating the sensitive qualities he perceived in her nature. Krasner and Pantuhoff lived together during the Great Depression, when they and many other artists were employed by the WPA Federal Art Project (1935-43) and were able to develop professionally without financial pressure. This portrait was made before the WPA, when they were still students and were struggling to make ends meet. |
Catalog Number |
2002.001.3 |
Object Name |
Drawing |