With the rich and mighty

the long version

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.