The Ada series by Alex Katz is a profound exploration of his relationship with his wife and muse, Ada Del Moro, whom he married in 1958. Over the decades, Katz has painted more than 250 portraits of Ada, showcasing not just her physical appearance but also capturing the essence of their enduring partnership. These paintings range from intimate, small-scale portraits to large, commanding works, demonstrating Katz's evolving artistic style and the depth of his affection for his wife.
Ada Katz, born in the Bronx, New York, in 1928, has been a significant figure in Katz's life and work since they met. Her influence extends beyond her role as a muse; she was a biologist and a key figure in the art community, co-founding the Eye and Ear Theater. This background adds layers to Katz's portraits of Ada, reflecting her multifaceted persona beyond her visual representation.
The first portrait Katz painted of Ada was in 1957, the year they met. This work is emblematic of the series, portraying Ada with a degree of idealization that Katz applies to all his subjects, especially Ada. Invariably, she is depicted as serene, stylish, and introspective, more icon than individual, yet deeply personal and meaningful within Katz's oeuvre. These portraits reference the long tradition of painted portraits, aligning Ada with subjects by historical artists such as Raphael, Velazquez, and Rembrandt, yet through Katz's modern lens.
Katz's approach to painting Ada involves a balance between generalization and specificity, creating an iconic yet accessible image. These portraits are not just personal tributes but also engage with broader artistic traditions, blending modernist abstraction with the intimacy of figurative painting. Ada's presence in Katz's work over the years not only highlights her significance in his personal life but also underscores her role in his artistic development. Through these works, Katz not only commemorates his relationship with Ada but also contributes to the dialogue around the muse-artist dynamic, elevating Ada from a personal subject to a figure of broader cultural significance (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) (Wikipedia).