Portrait of Mary Block

In this striking portrait, Mary Block, a prominent Chicago collector, gazes out with a calm, direct expression. Her figure fills the canvas, rendered with a soft, almost luminous quality that suggests a gentle inner light. The artist, Ivan Puni, painted her in a style that evokes the intimacy and muted tones of Post-Impressionism, a departure from his earlier avant-garde work. This painting was commissioned directly by Mary Block and her husband Leigh, highlighting their close relationship with artists and their dedication to supporting contemporary art. The work captures a moment of quiet dignity, reflecting the subject's thoughtful presence and the artist's mature style.