Academic Portrait Art Commission

Stephen, a retired educator, commissioned this three-quarter length portrait of himself out of curiosity. An avid collector of 19th Century porcelain portraits, he wanted the experience of knowing what it would feel like to be the one posing.

Three of the porcelains from his collection are displayed in the lower right portion of the painting. All the elements are carefully arranged to harmonize with the important part of the painting, the rendering of Stephen's head. Each small portrait, as well as the antique chair, were painted so that each retained it's own unique character.

Marvin's signature ability, to bring the head to life and make you feel like you're in the presence of the actual person, not a painting, is in full display here, as is his unique ability to fully resolve each element in the painting without distracting from the central focus.