Philip Pearlstein

Philip Pearlstein (1924–2022) was an American painter known for his highly detailed, realist nude figure paintings. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he studied at the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) alongside Andy Warhol. Pearlstein gained recognition in the 1960s for his cool, objective approach to the human form, moving away from expressionism and abstraction. His work has been exhibited in major institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. A retrospective of his career was held at the Brooklyn Museum in 1983, solidifying his influence in contemporary realism. Pearlstein’s compositions often featured models in unconventional poses, emphasizing form, texture, and spatial complexity. His meticulous, unidealized style set him apart as a major figure in postwar American painting. He continued working well into his 90s until his passing in 2022.