With the rich and mighty

Emlen Etting, the artist who created Phoenix Rising installed on the North Plaza of Philadelphia's City Hall, is one of the city's well-kept secrets. A painter, filmmaker, illustrator, translator, author, and teacher, Etting never rose to the national attention that his rich body of work deserved. Although Etting was a minimalist in his art, he and his wife Gloria Braggiotti were excessive socialites living with art as their passion and glamorous society life as their avocation. The couple’s home became a gathering place for the rich and famous of Philadelphia and beyond. With the Rich and Mighty: Emlen Etting of Philadelphia reveals the history and inspiration behind this influential figure’s work; and through Etting’s own art, life, and words, it provides a glimpse into the private world of a local legend whose art is central to the landscape of Philadelphia.