Renée Fleming 2009 - 2011

Curator: Nelson Shanks painted this portrait of Renée Fleming between 2009 and 2011. Painted in oil, it is one of the artist’s more celebrated later works. Editor: Wow. My first thought? This feels like something out of a pre-Raphaelite painting—a bit mystical, very romantic, with a touch of melancholy. Is she supposed to be some kind of water sprite or otherworldly being? Curator: You're not far off in that impression! Shanks was deeply influenced by the academic tradition and the Old Masters, but there's also this contemporary desire to portray Fleming not just as an opera star, but almost as a mythical figure. Editor: I see it. The dress, that soft light, the vague suggestion of landscape in the background… It all sort of blends together. And is that intentional, that almost photorealistic face atop a body composed of flowing fabric? It reminds me of a sartorial siren. Curator: I believe so. Shank's decision to place Fleming in this ambiguous natural setting removes her from the typical performance context of a concert hall or stage, really encouraging viewers to see her as timeless. One thing of note, the work also serves the modern fascination with celebrity portraiture. It really plays with this public role of art by immortalizing fame on the walls of cultural institutions. Editor: She definitely transcends the role of opera singer here. And that ethereal quality—you almost can hear her voice echoing across those muted, dreamy landscapes. I would bet any artist trying to capture the essence of that voice, those dramatic moments in a single still frame would find themselves creating this tension. Curator: An interesting thought, particularly when considering Shank's long history of portraiture, painting prominent political and cultural figures; I never fully noticed this potential contradiction, until now. Editor: I will tell you this, if the docent gives me any side eye while I stand staring at Renée Fleming I will blame you. This is now one of my favorite pieces in the whole collection!