Nicholas Petrucci

This man’s preference would have been to live in the 16th Century.  He requested that I paint his portrait as if his home were in The Netherlands.  When he saw the underpainting in the Verdaccio method he asked if we could leave it in this stage.  I said ‘yes,’ but at least to allow me to paint the brooch, and we concluded the painting.   Although it was completed rather quickly it still manages to haunt the viewer.  Does the portrait beckon you to approach or retreat?  I believe this portrait forces us to recognize a simple truth.