For over six decades, Alex Katz has been captivated by his wife, Ada, who has served as his muse and model in countless portraits. This lifelong dedication to depicting Ada’s face and form has been a defining characteristic of Katz’s career, blending admiration with a nuanced study of his closest companion. By continuously returning to Ada as his subject, Katz has created an artistic record that traces the subtle shifts in both Ada and his own evolving style. Each painting offers a fresh perspective on her presence, demonstrating how Katz perceives her through the lens of time and love.
One of the most notable works in this series is Bathing Cap Ada (2012), a vibrant portrayal of Ada in a turquoise bathing cap that evokes summer bliss. The colors are bright, almost as if illuminated by sunlight, and Katz’s signature flat planes of color lend a serene calmness to the piece. Katz has often spoken about his admiration for Ada’s elegance and poise, and this painting captures those qualities effortlessly. Her calm gaze reveals an inner world, one that Katz has painted countless times but never exhausts.
Moving forward five years, Purple Hat Ada (2017) brings Ada into the winter months, adorned in a stylish, deep purple hat that accentuates her distinctive profile. This painting is a testament to Katz’s ability to capture Ada’s personality and sense of style while also exploring the relationship between color and form. Ada is often associated with Katz’s cool, flat color palettes, but the rich hue of her hat against her neutral clothing draws the viewer’s attention directly to her face. Katz’s portrayal of Ada in various hats is a recurring motif, perhaps reflecting his fascination with how a single accessory can alter the overall perception of the subject.
In Ada #4 (2017), Katz distills Ada’s image to its most essential elements. The work is almost minimalist in its approach, with a limited color palette and a simplicity that draws attention to Ada’s features without any distractions. This work demonstrates Katz’s mastery of abstraction and form, stripping down the complexities of portraiture to focus on what makes Ada recognizable and memorable. Katz’s compositions often center around Ada’s face, and in this painting, her expression is contemplative, suggesting a deep, almost meditative connection between artist and muse.
In contrast, Ada in Spain (2018) captures a rare departure from Katz’s usual New York setting, placing Ada against the backdrop of a Spanish landscape. Her figure remains the focus, with Katz skillfully incorporating the warmth and light of Spain into the painting. There is a sense of vacation ease here, a lightheartedness that contrasts with the often more composed, static portraits of Ada. This painting demonstrates Katz’s ability to merge personal moments with his trademark style, turning a moment of relaxation into a timeless piece.
As Katz entered his later years, his depictions of Ada continued to evolve. December Ada (2020) showcases Ada in a winter setting, her expression softened yet exuding a sense of quiet resilience. Katz’s choice of colder colors and stark lines captures the chill of the season, but there’s a warmth in Ada’s expression that shines through. This piece feels almost like a farewell to the year, a reflection on the passing of time, and an acknowledgment of the enduring bond between the artist and his muse.
Katz’s paintings of Ada collectively serve as a personal and artistic diary, chronicling the highs and lows, the quiet moments, and the transformations of their shared life. From their initial meeting in the 1950s to the present day, Katz’s depictions of Ada have maintained a profound intimacy and admiration. While some artists move from one muse to another, Katz has found lifelong inspiration in Ada, whose presence remains central to his work and to his life.
The depth of Katz’s connection to Ada is perhaps what makes his portraits of her so compelling. Over the years, he has painted her in various settings, seasons, and moods, each one capturing a unique facet of her personality. Katz himself has noted that Ada is both his muse and his partner, and the paintings reflect this duality. They are works of art, certainly, but they are also expressions of love and appreciation, of a shared existence that has fueled Katz’s creativity for over half a century.
In a world that often craves novelty, Katz’s continued devotion to painting Ada is a testament to the power of lasting relationships and the inspiration they can provide. While styles, trends, and even other artists come and go, Katz’s work reminds us that sometimes the most profound muse is the one who remains.
