Kitaj, R(onald) B(rooks) (1932–2007)

US painter and graphic artist, who spent much of his working life in Britain. His work was mainly figurative, employing a wide range of allusions to art, history, and literature, and reflected the pop art and abstract expressionist movements of the time. The Autumn of Central Paris (After Walter Benjamin) (1972–74) is a typical work. His distinctive use of colour and economy of line was in part inspired by studies of the Impressionist painter Degas, and has similarities with oriental art.

Much of Kitaj's work is outside the predominant avant-garde trend and inspired by diverse historical styles and his Jewish heritage. Some compositions are in triptych form.