I was lucky enough to have spent last weekend in the Berkshires, always a beautiful place to be, but at this time of the year, the crowds are gone. All is quiet, stark and elegant.
Saturday we drove to the campus of Williams College in Williamstown, MA and paid a visit to the Clark Museum where there is an exhibition of portraits by Rembrandt and Degas. The exhibition focuses on how the work of Rembrandt influenced and inspired Degas. Degas is quoted as having said, “What I do is the result of reflection and study of great masters“. This small exhibition pairs the etchings of both artists and shows how the techniques developed by Rembrandt were employed by Degas. The portraits done by both artists thoroughly capture the complexities of their subjects. It is a small exhibition but one with so much to see and the think about.
So the, of course, I consider the amazing portrait work done by some of the poster artists. While so different from the portraits at the Clark, the psychedelic-style Angel 67 by Thompson conveys the power and the confusion of the biker. Bal des Arts, the work of Paul Colin, has captured joy and confidence. And Picasso in the poster for Galerie Matarasso, has used his fantastic skill with line drawing much as Rembrandt and Degas have done, to reflect on the complicated and thoughtful nature of his subject.
If you are in the area, do visit the Clark, but if you are not, well then just please visit our website and appreciate the wonders of the portrait artists!