Debussy
Debussy, 1968, Etching
Sidney Chafetz (American, 1922 – 2013)
#2013.0001.0488
Sidney Chafetz was born in 1922 in Providence, Rhode Island. Chafetz first gained international renown when he won the first Painting Prize from the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in 1968. Throughout the 60’s, he created satirical portrayals of politicians and cultural icons. His paintings and prints served to honor, poke fun, and criticize his wide of range of subjects. In 1948, Chafetz helped establish the printmaking department at Ohio State, which became one of the top programs in the country. Chafetz is now included in the permanent collections of major institutions like the Library of Congress and the New York Library.
This piece, Debussy, is a 1968 etching of the French composer Claude Debussy. The work is an example of Chafetz’s ability to capture the spirit of a cultural icon. It was commissioned by the Associated American Artists of New York in a limited edition of 250 impressions.
