Dr. Alan Rubin, M.D., commissioned this portrait of his family just before his eldest child, Renee, left for college.

A great deal of symbolism was put into the design of this painting. The family is posed on a flight of stairs surrounded by the chaos, growth, and vibrancy of life. The children are at the top, indicating their departure into the future, further symbolized by the golden flowers flowing into an unseen destination.

Renee is shown wearing the emblem of the University where she was enrolled. (see close-up below)
An easy-going girl, Renee is pictured in casual attire, while her brother is dressed in "tennis whites", indicating the sport which is his passion. Mrs. Rubin is wearing the more formal, fashionable and tasteful dress that matches her personality, and Dr. Rubin is dressed all in white, to symbolize his standing in the medical profession.

"The portrait remains in my dining room where anyone who has dinner with us sees it and compliments it. One thing I did that has proved helpful was to have you write what you were thinking, the reasons the portrait turned out as it did. I still read it to people who admire the portrait."

Alan L. Rubin, M. D


Hi Kevin,
I’m honored that you would display it [the portrait] as a particularly outstanding work—it is very special to our family. Every time I go back to my parents’ house, I look at it and think about the passing of time—and the “chaos, growth, and vibrancy of life,” as you mention. What I love about it, in addition to the fact that it captures all of us in a moment, are the plants and flowers…for our family, the garden contains many memories that are evoked by the portrait.

Renee Rubin Ross
Ph.D. Candidate
Education & Jewish Studies
New York University