Will Barnet

Henry Pearson, North Carolina (acquired as a gift from the artist in 1966)

Acquired as a gift from the above circa 1970 by the present owner

The present portrait captures the close professional relationship between two New York artists, Henry Pearson and Will Barnet. Executed in 1966, Barnet’s portrait of Pearson presents the artist in a relaxed moment, as if he has paused briefly during a walk. Pearson is simply dressed in an overcoat, holding an umbrella and gloves. Another portrait of Pearson by Barnet in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art portrays the sitter in similar attire. The institutional interest in the relationship between these two artists demonstrates their importance to the New York art scene of the late 20th century.