Harry Elkins Widener (1885-1912)

Gabriel Ferrier

Created:

Movement:

1916

None

key Notes:

Portraiture, Elegance

Dimensions:

30 x 25 1/4 in. (76.2 x 64.1 cm)

medium:

Oil on canvas

Difficulty:

Master

New game

story of the work:

"Harry Elkins Widener (1885-1912)" is a portrait painted by Gabriel Ferrier in 1916, commissioned to commemorate the life of the American bibliophile and philanthropist who perished aboard the RMS Titanic. The painting is notable for its representation of Widener's intellectual pursuits and his connection to the Widener Library at Harvard University, which was established through his family's endowment in his memory.

Description of the work:

"Harry Elkins Widener (1885-1912)" by Gabriel Ferrier is a portrait that captures the subject in a three-quarter view, characterized by a soft, naturalistic rendering of the face and a subtle interplay of light and shadow. The composition is enhanced by a rich, dark background that contrasts with the warm tones of Widener's attire, emphasizing the figure's dignified presence and the meticulous attention to detail in the depiction of fabric and facial features.

Artwork Photograph Source:

Harvard Art Museum

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