Ivan Albright: That Which I Should Have Done I Did Not Do (The Door)

Posted by William Lehman

April 13, 2008

When I think of artists, the word “patience” doesn’t usually come to mind. Many I know are impulsive, impatient people. I know this because I would put myself in that category.

Ivan Albright spent 10 years between 1931 and 1941 on this painting. It measures 8 foot tall and more impressively, it’s incredibly detailed.

Albright doesn’t strike the average observer with the air of a master artist that would paint grotesque, detailed works of this caliber. He looks more like the average old guy on the street (maybe at the library, or passing out candy during a parade). A nice old gentleman if you will.

It’s funny that these images dealing with death, and grappling with the human nature came from this seemingly “grandpa figure”.