Remembering Robert de Forest Whitman Jr.: A Talented Artist and Beloved Family Man
Robert de Forest Whitman Jr., a renowned artist and beloved member of his community, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him. Born on May 23, 1935, in Manhattan, Robert hailed from a family with deep roots in New York’s history, tracing back to the earliest Huguenot settlers. His ancestors included the esteemed painter and designer Lockwood de Forest and Robert W. de Forest, who served as the president of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and played a pivotal role in establishing its American wing.
A Life Shaped by Art and Family Heritage
During his formative years, Robert experienced a defining moment that would shape his future as an artist. At the tender age of 6, he attended a circus where he witnessed the mesmerizing performance of renowned clown Emmett Kelly. The sight of Kelly chasing and “catching” a spotlight across the circus ring left an indelible impression on Robert, igniting his passion for the arts. The gestural brilliance displayed by silent film stars like Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin further fueled his fascination with the enchantment of performance.
Robert’s upbringing involved residing in his family’s opulent mansions in Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., located on Long Island’s North Shore. Although he rarely spoke about his privileged background, he approached it with self-deprecating humor, acknowledging the wealth that surrounded him. In an oral history interview for the Archives of American Art in 2019, he playfully remarked, “They were not impoverished, let’s put it that way.”
A Journey of Artistic Exploration
After the untimely passing of his father, Robert Sr., when he was just 10 years old, Robert and his younger brother, Bruce, moved with their mother, Cynthia Tainter (Smith) Whitman, to Englewood, N.J. It was here that Robert pursued his studies in literature at Rutgers University. This period coincided with a significant artistic movement, as young artists sought to expand the boundaries of Abstract Expressionism beyond traditional canvases and into the world around them.
At Rutgers, Robert found himself surrounded by forward-thinking artists such as Mr. Kaprow, Robert Watt, and George Brecht. Mr. Kaprow, in particular, drew inspiration from John Cage’s teachings on chance operations and unconventional materials. Inspired by these ideas, he organized the groundbreaking happening event, “18 Happenings in 6 Parts,” at the Reuben Gallery in 1959, with Robert as an active participant.
A Lasting Legacy
Robert de Forest Whitman Jr. will be remembered not only for his artistic talent but also for his warmth, kindness, and deep love for his family. He leaves behind a rich legacy that has touched the lives of those around him. While the cause of his passing remains unknown, his impact on the art world and the memories he created with his loved ones will forever be cherished.
As we mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, let us celebrate the life and artistic contributions of Robert de Forest Whitman Jr. His spirit will continue to inspire generations to come, ensuring that his legacy lives on.
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