Antonio Barone

Antonio Barone was born in Valledolmo, Sicily on May 20, 1889. He moved to Le Roy, New York where he began studying art with Ida Taylor, the pupil of William Morris Hunt. He became a member and student of the Art Students League in 1906, where he studied under Frank Vincent DuMond and William Merritt Chase. His social circle exposed him to many talented artists of the time, including Frank Lois Mora, Eugene Speicher, and Georgia O'Keefe. The artist that had the most profound influence on Barone's work was James A. McNeill Whistler. Barone instantly connected with the subtle tonality and thin surfaces used by Whistler; such influences are seen in Young Boy Sleeping. Around 1908 Barone began taking commissions as a portraitist. He traveled through France, England and Holland where he continued to receive commissions. The enthusiasm for the portrait as felt by Barone is unmistakable in this painting.

During his later years of life, Antonio Barone turned his interests to large mural paintings. He received commissions from organization such as the New York County Court House, The Bowery Savings Bank and The New York Athletic Club. He also completed decorative designs for the private residence of William Mellon in Pittsburgh. Antonio Barone died in 1971 in New York.