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"In my first year at Syracuse University, I was asked to paint the Chancellor of SU at his house. The commission took place in a vast attic of the home. To my surprise, Chancellor Eggers agreed that I could use the space as my studio! That is the setting for "Lockhart." This is one of my first ventures into painting multiple figures in space. The attractive couple chose their pose - I suggested they stay comfortable - she reading a book and he looking towards her. His legs were angled against the darkness in an interesting way, and Presto! The Pose! The couple was very in love and the title reflects their relationship. The formality of the picture is my naiveté in putting multiple figures in space…I’ve since become more comfortable but that painting taught me a lot about using the figure in space."
- Jerome Witkin