Rare glimpse behind the scenes of artist's 'Youngstown' masterpiece

YOUNGSTOWN  The Butler Institute of American Art is offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Alfred Leslie's iconic "Americans: Youngstown, Ohio" painting, following its recent acquisition into the museum's permanent collection.

A previously unseen photograph depicts Leslie meticulously arranging models, providing a unique insight into the artistic process behind the monumental work.

The 9-by-24-foot oil painting, composed of three panels, features 14 individuals, including Dr. Lou Zona, the Butler's executive director.

Zona recounted Leslie's initial inspiration for the piece, which stemmed from seeing the diverse age range in a "Star Wars" movie line. The working title of the painting was, in fact, "Star Wars."

To maintain the precise positioning of his subjects, Leslie even had models leave their shoes in place when they took breaks for lunch or class.

Zona also noted Leslie's "dramatic use of light and dark," a hallmark of his Realist phase, and speculated that Leslie, though he might have denied it, was likely an admirer of Caravaggio.

The photograph's release coincides with the Butler's  announcement of acquiring "Americans: Youngstown, Ohio" as a donation from Leslie's estate.

The museum also purchased "High Tea," one of Leslie's Abstract Expressionist works, which is now displayed in the same gallery.

  Butler Institute of American Art