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Carolyn Wyeth
(American, 1909 - 1994)
Sitter
Frederick Rabottini
Portrait of Frederick Rabottini
ca. 1939-1940
40 1/2 × 36 in. (102.9 × 91.4 cm)
2016.8
Gift of the estate of Joann Del Borrello in loving memory of Luigi and Maria Rabottini, and their children Anna, Filomena, Frederick, Edith, and Francis, 2016
Not on view
Carolyn Wyeth likely did not know, when she painted the teen-aged Frederick Rabottini, that her portrait would soon memorialize his young life. At an early age, Rabottini was diagnosed with a kidney-related illness and, though his face is a mask of serenity with classical features, other details of the painting seem to suggest all is not well. Rabottini’s clothing looks to be too large for his frame. Wyeth emphasized the draping of the shirt across the chest and arms by using a strong light source that created deep shadows. Similarly his loose trousers are held fast with a belt that appears to cinch at his waist, revealing his narrow form.
