Deane Keller (portraitist)

Deane Keller (1901-1992) was an American painter and educator, best known for his portraiture. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, he was part of a family deeply involved in the arts; his father was Deane G. Keller, a professor of sculpture at Yale University.

Keller received his formal art training at the Yale School of Fine Arts, where he later became a faculty member. He taught drawing and painting at Yale for several decades, influencing generations of artists.

His artistic style is characterized by a realistic and academic approach, emphasizing draftsmanship and classical techniques. He frequently worked on commission, painting portraits of prominent figures in academic, business, and social circles. While portraiture formed the core of his work, he also produced landscapes and still lifes.

Keller’s work can be found in numerous private collections and institutions, particularly in the New England area. He was a dedicated instructor, and his contributions to the art community extended beyond his own paintings. He is remembered for his commitment to traditional artistic values and his dedication to his students.