Posthumous Memorial Portrait
30″ x 40”, Acrylic
Gallery Wrapped Canvas, 2016
Private Commission
by Charles C. Clear III
A portrait is more than just capturing someone’s likeness—it tells a story. When I accepted this commission, I asked myself what story I wanted to convey. The phrase that kept coming to me was “Breaking Bread.” To “break bread” with someone means to share a meal with a friend, a moment of connection and communion.
As I reflected on this, I thought about the countless times we’ve gathered around a table with family and friends, sharing meals, laughter, and conversation. We take these moments for granted, assuming they will last forever. But when someone we love is no longer with us, we are left with the bittersweet realization: “If only I had known, I would have savored those moments even more.”
I knew I wanted this portrait to capture that sense of precious, fleeting time, but I also wanted to incorporate this man’s faith. That’s when the deeper meaning of “Breaking Bread” became clear: Communion. In the Bible, there is a powerful moment when Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples. He took bread, broke it, and said, “Take this and eat; this is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” He then took a cup of wine, declaring, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; as often as you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”
Family. Faith. Communion. These are the elements I wanted to weave into this portrait. I painted this man seated at a table, with a basket of bread, a glass of wine, and olive oil—symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Notice how his index finger gently touches the bottle, signifying a moment of reflection and connection. There are also olives, alluding to the Garden of Gethsemane, and a white linen napkin, which was found in the empty tomb of Jesus and symbolizes resurrection.
This portrait, thoughtfully composed, was deeply meaningful to this man’s family and will stand as a lasting tribute to a good man who left this world too soon. It is a memorial that will be passed down through generations, reminding all who see it of the importance of family, faith, and the moments we share with those we love.
Charles C. Clear III
cc@oceanstateart.com