CM: With such a picture as this one, Josef Presser seems to return to the aesthetic of simple composition, intense palette, and solid forms of the early Italian Renaissance, namely the art of Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337).The beholder is presented not so much with a portrait of Frances Rich, but rather a religious representation of a saint from a fresco in a church. The painting emits a certain degree of softness and roundness, which is echoed in the design of the robe's collar. The highlights on the face of the sitter seem to suggest metaphysical, self-luminous qualities. On the one hand, the prevailing deep blue color of the garment evokes feelings of tranquillity, calm and peace. On the other hand, the plain background of unpainted paper suggests a wall surface that is beyond space and time.
[Megakles Rogakos 01/2009]
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
ROGAKOS, MEGAKLES Frances Rich - La Gazelle 2010 The American College of Greece - ACG Art, Athens
