RONALD FELDMAN

«During this time, Warhol befriended a Jewish New York gallery owner, Ronald Feldman. For years Warhol had prodded Mr. Feldman for ideas. When an Israel-based dealer suggested to Mr. Feldman that Warhol do 10 additional portraits of Meir, Mr. Feldman thought the idea was excessive. But he suggested to Warhol a 10-portrait series of accomplished Jews in the 20th century. Warhol warmed to the idea, so Feldman presented him with a long list of possible subjects. Many of the selected 10 came from Mr. Feldman's urgings, including the final portrait of Louis Brandeis. At the start of the project Warhol didn't even know all of his subjects. In a diary entry he writes, "Who is Martin Buber?"

-New York Sun
March 10 2008