The portrait of Sarah Hilker is the only tondo that Gottlieb has painted. It was originally planned as a standard rectangular portrait but Gottlieb decided that its composition needed a circular perimeter. The frame that was chosen for it was custom built by Rhett Ashby in the Italian style of the 16th century. Sarah is one of Gottlieb’s former models who was chosen for many of his paintings because of her fine translucent porcelain complexion. This portrait of her is one of Gottlieb’s finest works of subtle color harmony. With only the simple white shirt, the creamy flesh tones and dark background, the painting shines with color and light.
