About

This touching portrait is of the artist's former, long-time, wife, Sharon. She had modeled for him on numerous occasions, including genre scenes, portraiture, and nudes.

Seated by the window, she is illuminated by a soft, indirect exterior light, which is filtered by the semi-transparent window drapes. Through the window, we look out to see apartment buildings that are so typical of the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The drapes echo her delicate gown, which has been softly rendered.

Sharon looks at the artist with a knowing, slightly wistful expression. Her eyes are gentle, yet, sparkle and the tilt of her head carries a poetic air. She is sitting in a large oak wood chair that was passed down by her mother.

Her gentle hands are beautifully rendered. Her left-hand rests on the strong, spiral, armrest, and her right hand modestly clasps her gown so that it remains closed. She is wearing her diamond wedding ring and a ruby necklace amulet that she was very fond of. 

Varriano’s gift for composition is demonstrated by several balanced contrasts that are quite subtle. There is a very tactile quality to the painting. We feel the silk, the skin, the wood, the plants, and the jewelry as a physical presence. The balance of the colors is understated yet palpable.