TitleWill H. Low
Daten.d.
MediumOil on canvas
DimensionsUnframed: 21 × 17 in.
Framed: 23 1/2 × 19 1/2 × 1 in.
SubmissionANA diploma presentation, March 25, 1889
Credit LineNational Academy of Design, New York, NY
Object number1091-P
Label TextThe close friendship between Robinson and Low dates to their student days in Paris when both worked under Emile Auguste Carolus-Duran and Jean-Leon Gerome and spent time together at Grez-sur-Loing. Back in New York, Low secured a teaching job for Robinson in 1880. When Low and his wife returned to France in 1886, Robinson was a frequent visitor, ultimately taking up residence in their home. When he came to the United States, he often passed time in their company. After Robinson's death, Low raised the money for his funeral, wrote his obituary for the New York Evening Post (4 April 1896), and organized his estate sale (with J. Alden Weir) at the American Art Association, NYC in 1898.Robinson spent the summer of 1888 on the Manasquam River, NJ with the Lows. He remained in the United States until after Low's diploma portrait was accepted by the Council on 25 March 1889. He likely executed the portrait sometime during this nine-month period.
Portraits are quite unusual in Robinson's oeuvre; his affection for Low perhaps led him to paint this exceptional work. Despite the vigor of its handling, Robinson's depiction has much in common with John White Alexander's later refined portraits, particularly in the way the dryly painted bust seems to float on and disintegrate into the barely stained olive-brown canvas. Low's straw-like hair in enlivened by a textured swirl of strokes which animate the face as well. Robinson's new interest in impressionistic color is evident by the way in which Low's white collar picks up the blue of his tie knot.
n.d.