Kunstner
Født i Brooklyn, United States of America
Aaron Abraham Shikler: A Life in Portraiture
Early Life and Education
Born March 18, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York, to Eastern European Jewish immigrant parents.
Graduated from The High School of Music & Art in 1940.
Studied at the Tyler School of Art, Temple University, earning both a B.A. and M.A.
Also studied at the Barnes Foundation in Merion, Pennsylvania.
Served as a cartographer in Europe during World War II with the U.S. Army Air Corps.
Married Barbara Lurie (whom he met at Tyler) and had two children: Cathy Shikler van Ingen and Clifford Shikler.
Artistic Development and Influences
Shikler’s artistic journey was marked by a dedication to representational art, particularly portraiture.
He developed a realistic style characterized by meticulous detail and psychological insight.
Influenced by the classical tradition of portrait painting, he sought to capture not just likeness but also character and inner life.
His time at the Barnes Foundation exposed him to an extensive collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings, broadening his artistic perspective.
Major Achievements and Notable Works
Became widely recognized for his portraits of prominent American figures.
Most famously, he painted the official posthumous portrait of John F. Kennedy (1970) commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy. This work is considered a defining achievement and serves as Kennedy’s official White House portrait.
Also created official portraits of First Ladies Jacqueline Kennedy and Nancy Reagan.
Painted portraits of the Kennedy children, further solidifying his connection to the family.
Other notable works include “Woman Reading (The Artist’s Wife)” and “The Empire Coat”.
Historical Significance and Legacy
Shikler's work provides a valuable visual record of significant figures in American history and culture.
His portraits are admired for their technical skill, sensitivity, and ability to convey the personality of his subjects.
He contributed significantly to the tradition of historical portraiture in the 20th century.
Represented in numerous public collections including: The Brooklyn Museum of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the New Britain Museum of American Art, and the National Academy of Design.
Received several awards and honors throughout his career, including a centennial fellowship from Temple University and academician status at the National Academy of Design.
Later Life and Death
Following the death of his wife Barbara in 1998, she continued to be a source of inspiration for his work.
He continued painting until his death on November 12, 2015, at the age of 93, due to kidney failure.
His legacy endures through his iconic portraits and contributions to American art history.
