Introduction
Robert Brackman (September 25, 1898 – July 16, 1980) was an American artist and teacher of Ukrainian origin, best known for large figural works, portraits, and still lifes.
Biography
Born in Odes'ka Oblast, Ukraine, he emigrated from the Russian Empire in 1908.
Brackman studied at the National Academy of Design from 1919 to 1921, and the Ferrer School in San Francisco. From 1931, he had a long career teaching at the Art Students League of New York where he was a life member. He also taught at the American Art School in New York City, the Brooklyn Museum School, the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, and the Madison Art School in Connecticut. In 1932, Brackman was elected into the National Academy of Design as an Associate member, and became a full member in 1940.
He painted portraits of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Charles Lindbergh, John Foster Dulles, Miirrha Alhambra (Pauline Joutard de Evia) as well as portraits commissioned by the United States Air Force Academy and the State Department.
He painted a portrait of actress Jennifer Jones for use as a prop in the 1948 film Portrait of Jennie, where it represents a portrait painted by the character of Eben Adams (Joseph Cotten).
The American artist Elaine Hamilton was a student of Brackman., and so was Itshak Holtz.
Brackman was married to Rochelle Post; they later divorced. He had two daughters with his second wife.