Ada in Spain, 2018

“Ada in Spain” by Alex Katz (American, b.1927) features his muse and wife, Ada, in profile against a lush scenery, evoking the warmth and tranquility of a summer afternoon in Spain. The composition captures the essence of a fleeting moment, as Ada gazes into the distance with an air of quiet contemplation. Her silhouette, rendered in a monochromatic palette, contrasts strikingly with the vibrant green background. Katz’s signature use of bold, unmodulated colors and simple lines highlights the contours of Ada’s profile and create a sense of intimacy. The enigmatic expression on Ada’s face, a common trait in Katz’s portraiture, adds a subtle elegance and allure to this large-scale summer portrait.