Old Man Tending a Tomato Plant

Acrylic on canvas

24" x 24", 2005

Laura used to say that when Italian men turn fifty-five, a gene turns on, and they start growing tomatoes.

While painting a tall fence in South Brooklyn ten years ago, I observed a ninety-three year old Italian widower gently tending a single tomato plant. I had been warned by the owner of the building not to upset him, as he could get very bellicose. His demeanor while taking care of the straggly tomato plant told another story.