Portrait of Gino Parin

Magda Springer (1909–1979)

Portrait of Gino Parin

Oil on canvas

n.d.

Collection of Nicki Springer, Cottonwood, Arizona

Photographed by David Shaffer

As a child, Magda learned from her father, a keen entomologist, the importance of observing all aspects of the natural world – from its colors and shapes to minute details that required close inspection. By the time she and Parin met in 1930, she was already an aspiring visual artist. Under Parin’s tutelage, she gained a better understanding of the techniques of past and contemporary masters and improved her ability to capture the appearance and personality of her sitters, both of which can be seen in this homage to her mentor.