fbpx

William Sommer

(Detroit, Michigan, 1867 - 1949, Northfield Center, Ohio)

Tess

c. 1927-1930

Oil on composition board

25 5/8 x 23 1/2 in. (65.0 x 59.7 cm)

Collection of the Akron Art Museum

Museum Acquisition Fund

1946.3 a

More Information

Like most of his portraits of children, this image of Sommer’s young neighbor Tess Dominski is distinctive for its psychological intensity. Sommer frequently painted his sons, grandchildren and youngsters in his neighborhood, coaxing them to sit still by giving them 25 or 50 cents and keeping them amused with stories or by imitating the sounds of musical instruments.

Keywords
Regional
Painting
Ohio
Dress
Cleveland School
Child
Girl