About

This large and exquisitely executed family portrait was a commissioned painting that involved numerous months of work for the artist to complete.

Varriano applied his brilliant talent and formidable skill to create this Academic painting which bears his uniquely distinctive style. When Varriano undertakes a portrait, he makes it a point to know the individual, or in this case individuals, as well as possible. John says, “The personality, and to whatever extent the psychology of the person being portrayed, must be captured in the portrait."

The artist got to personally know the parents who commissioned the painting but wanted to understand the children as well. On the day they all met for the artist to orchestrate the composition of the painting, Varriano interviewed each one of them to find out their interests.

From the outset of the work, it was the artist;s goal to reflect each individuals' personality. The Husband and Wife located at the center of the composition being accomplished surgeons are respected and affluent members of their community and profession. The artist captured

their reserved self-confidence and family pride which is admirably portrayed.

The tall young man at the right of the composition was at the time involved in the study of the Law. Being polite by nature, he was posed to reflect that. Varriano gave him a copy of The United States Constitution to hold to show his relationship with the law.

The young lady next to him revealed no particular aspiration that she chose to disclose, but admitted to a basic interest in business and finance. Her manner was polite and reserved, yet the artist sensed a strong personality and determination within her. The red dress she chose to

wear was ideal, and John waited for her to fall into a natural pose that best reflected her persona.

The young man next to his parents, toward the center of the composition, was studying film directing and knew about acting and theatre. Like his sister in the red dress, he had a strong yet reserved personality.  An intelligent person, yet hesitant to reveal what he knows, the artist chose to have him hold a theatrical mask that served as a connection between him and the theatre.

The brother with his elbow on the piano and his seated sister were ballet dancers. Varriano subtly reflects this in a sly yet beautiful way. Hanging behind the young man is a painting by the famous French painter Edgar Degas, who specialized in ballet paintings and pastels. Between them, on the piano is a sculpture of a ballerina, also by Degas. Below the chair that the young sister is sitting on is a pair of ballet slippers.

The seated young man while holding a book stares off in contemplation. He was at the time studying philosophy and literature. His body posture wonderfully suggests his gentle nature.

The family dog is a big fellow who although connected with each family member, bears a special kinship with the young lady in red. He contentedly looks off to the right as we admire his strong physique and placid profile.

Each figure bears an uncanny likeness to the person being depicted, and the artist exceeded expectations in capturing their respective personalities and interests. Beyond that, we can witness Varriano’s uncanny ability to reveal the psychology of each individual portrayed.

The room is admirably painted, with a very satisfying depiction of perspectival space. It is flooded by natural light that penetrates the space from the outside, through large arched doors and windows. The large oak table and piano, as well as the exotic musical instruments, are finely rendered. Perhaps the most stunning feature of the room furnishings is the large, complex, and richly designed Persian carpet.

This painting, with rich, beautiful colors, impeccable composition, wonderfully rendered figures, and a space so convincing that we feel that we are there, is a masterpiece to be admired for the ages.

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