When artist Sharon Sprung was approached by Judge Rolando Acosta and his wife, Vasthi Reyes Acosta, to paint his official portrait upon his retirement, Sprung knew this project would require a deep understanding of his journey, values and the prestigious institution he served.
Judge Acosta’s dedication to the law and public service has been a defining force throughout his career. Serving as the presiding justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York State, Appellate Division, First Judicial Department, from 2017 to 2023, he upheld the principles of independent judicial thought and community service.
Sharon Sprung, Honorable Rolando Acosta, Supreme Court of New York State Appellate Division, First Judicial Department, oil on panel, 48 x 36"
The tradition of creating a portrait for a retiring presiding judge serves not only as a recognition of their contributions but also as a lasting symbol of their impact on the judiciary. Sprung was honored to be part of this tradition, tasked with encapsulating the dignity, wisdom and integrity of a man who had dedicated his life to justice. The setting of a portrait is crucial in reinforcing the subject’s story. Judge Acosta’s portrait would be housed in the historic Appellate Division courthouse in New York City. The building itself is a work of art, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Sprung carefully selected a location within the courthouse that would enhance the themes of strength, stability and reverence for the law. Judge Acosta was posed against a grand marble wall, adjacent to a stained-glass window depicting the scales of justice. The interplay of light and texture in this setting conveyed a timeless sense of authority and contemplation. Sprung’s process begins with careful composition—an intuitive yet studied approach that respects the whole space. Expression, warmth and movement are central to her work, ensuring that the subject’s presence is felt beyond the canvas. While working on Judge Acosta’s portrait, Sprung was also beginning another significant historical commission: the official portrait of Janet Yellen for the Department of the Treasury. This parallel project reinforced Sprung’s appreciation for the significance of portraiture in documenting history. Whether capturing a judge’s commitment to justice or an economist’s influence on national policy, portrait painting is a powerful testament to leadership and legacy.
Sprung says she knows her paintings are complete when she enters her studio and the image before her feels like a living, breathing presence—when the subject’s essence is fully realized on the canvas. —
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