One hundred and fifty studio portraits of unidentified African Americans by unknown photographers now on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art offer a fascinating peek at self-representation in the mid-20th century. By recently acquiring two major portrait groups represented in the show, the Met announces its intention to build its collection to include images of African Americans. (On view on the Upper East Side through October 8th).
Don’t let the cat fool you. Despite her somber dress and downcast eyes, this actress – who was never identified in this 1926 portrait by Max Beckmann – isn’t relaxing with her pet so much as she seems poised to transform into a new role before our eyes. An intensely colored yellow wall and orange-upholstered chair in the background promise something electrifying as our bolt upright subject leans in towards us. (In ‘Max Beckmann in New York,’ at the Metropolitan Museum of Art through Feb 20th).
This 1651-54 portrait by Velazquez of the presumptive heir to the Spanish throne, Maria Teresa, as a fresh-faced young teen is a standout in the Met’s current seven-painting show of work the famed Spanish court painter. Framed by an elaborate wig with butterfly ribbons, Maria Teresa’s round features glow with an innocence that would vanish with her future marriage to French King Louis XIV. (At the Metropolitan Museum of Art through March 12th).
British artist Cornelia Parker merges the all-American image of the red barn with the equally iconic exterior of Norman Bates’ house from Hitchcock’s Psycho in her delightfully eerie Roof Garden commission at the Met. Constructed from an old barn and consisting of only two facades, the home invites comparison to the largely vacant 432 Park Ave that dominates the skyline in the background. (At the Metropolitan Museum of Art through Oct 31st).
Alex Katz’s towering painting of his wife, Ada, in red coat, hat and lips dominates a selection of paintings by the artist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As bold as an advertisement but with no product to sell, this arresting painting celebrates Ada’s allure. (Through Nov 6th).
