Family Portrait

Artist Katy Schneider (b. 1964)

Date1998

MediumOil on panel

Dimensions12 x 14 in.

ClassificationsOil Painting

Credit LinePresented by the National Academy of Design, purchased through the Henry Ward Ranger Fund

Object number2005.206

DescriptionRenowned for her charming, private scenes of families and dogs, Schneider lovingly captured the close relationship and interaction among her children and husband in "Bathtub" and "Family Portrait". "Family Portrait" is a delightful self-portrait of Schneider, her husband, children, and dog which she painted from their reflection in a mirror. The proximity of the figures further accentuates the warmth and intimate bond between the artist and her family. Inspired by early 20th century French paintings by the Intimists, Maurice Denis and Edouard Vuillard, Schneider employed delicate, impressionistic brushstrokes in Bathtub and Family Portrait and imbued each scene with a remarkable luminosity. As Schneider states:

"I always want to be revealing in my work…My paintings are about light first and foremost…By focusing on creating a strong sense of light and a clear sense of space, I hope to draw the viewer into my paintings. By manipulating these elements, I hope to discover and reveal particular relationships. I also try to create a 'forever' kind of quality to the work, though the subject matter may be of fleeting nature."

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