Andrew W. Mellon 1941

This is a portrait of Andrew W. Mellon, made by Jo Davidson in the form of a stone roundel. The monochrome medium is in keeping with Mellon’s reserved nature. The composition, tightly framed within the circle, creates a sense of confinement and control, mirroring Mellon's own influence in financial circles. Davidson's linear style emphasizes the contours of Mellon’s face, flattening the features to an almost diagrammatic representation. The repetitive concentric lines of the border echo this sense of containment. But look closer. The subtle gradations of tone in the stone and the incised lines give volume, not just of form but also of character, and the mustache hints at a softer, more human side. Ultimately, this portrait functions as a sign – it offers a controlled, stylized depiction that prompts us to consider the man beyond the image, and engage with his legacy in society.