If a picture is worth a 1000 words then this one speaks volumes.
Much has been written about the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy (1932-2009) this past week. And much of that is captured in this portrait of Kennedy created by Andover artist Joseph Gemellaro.
The eyes show an earnest man looking ahead, while the lips in full motion speak of a genuine concern for whatever it is he is talking about.
Although the overall effect is flattering, the portrait is also very realistic, showing the senator’s wrinkles and puffs of flabby skin. Gemellaro used an innovative technique to create the illusion of real skin by applying White Out in strategic places.
Two articles that stand out in my memory of last week’s media blitz were one written in the Boston Globe by David Filipov and the other written in the New York Times about the unique relationship Kennedy had with his second wife, Victoria.
Filipov’s column talks about how his family got to personally know Kennedy after his father was killed in the 911 attacks. The New York Times piece gives us an inside look at the couple’s romance and their political teamwork.
Together the two articles provide a good picture of the man, but this portrait gives us something more. It allows us to look him in the eyes and confront him on our own terms.
(Prints of the Kennedy portrait can be purchased directly from the artist. You may contact him directly at joegemellaro700@hotmail.com.)
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