“For a moment, Mrs. Kennedy refused to release the President, whom she held in her lap…”
– Warren Commission Report
This historical work just happens to capture a period in our history that is not uplifting but nonetheless important, since in many ways it marked an end of innocence in American life and politics.
History
Pietá captures a moment at Parkland Hospital witnessed by few and never photographed. In creating this historical painting, the artist shares his interpretation and feelings about this moment.
The Artist
Mark Balma, born in Wichita, Kansas and a long-time resident of Minnesota, is a classical realist painter who incorporates techniques of the early Renaissance into portraits, fresco murals and studio works. He uses an early Renaissance technique of oil painting pioneered by Leonardo da Vinci, which is composed of many layers of hand-ground paint superimposed upon each other in a secret mixture of essential oils and resin. The result is exceptional depth and richness of color that complements the soul and character of the painting.
His studio works reflect a diversity of images, including spiritual and classical themes, social commentaries, landscapes, and still life. He works in egg tempera, watercolor, oil, and fresco.