Chuck Close’s Uneasy, Inevitable Legacy

The artist was a great one-hit wonder, twice, before a scandal set in. Will his paintings regain visibility? Our critic argues it is healthier for us to see them.

Chuck Close, Artist of Outsized Reality, Dies at 81

He found success with his large-scale Photorealist portraits, becoming one of the leading artists of his generation. Late in life he faced allegations of sexual harassment.

Chuck Close Is Accused of Harassment. Should His Artwork Carry an Asterisk? (Published 2018)

Sexual harassment accusations have scuttled an exhibition of the portraitist’s work. Museums are wrestling with the implications — not just for Mr. Close, but for centuries of artists.

The Mysterious Metamorphosis of Chuck Close (Published 2016)

The legendary artist has radically upended his distinctive style of portraiture — and his entire life. Why?

Chuck Close, Artist of Outsized Reality, Dies at 81

He found success with his large-scale Photorealist portraits, becoming one of the leading artists of his generation. Late in life he faced allegations of sexual harassment.