This portrait of Kanemitsu’s patron, J. Blankfard Martenet, depicts the sitter’s bespectacled gaze and narrow features. In 1938, Martenet gave up a career in construction to dedicate his life to art—collecting and organizing exhibitions promoting Baltimore artists. By 1950, Martenet had amassed a collection of over 1,000 works by local artists, including more than 60 works by Kanemitsu. The rapport between “Marty” and “Mike” was an anchor for both men. Martenet provided Kanemitsu consistent financial support, introductions to museum directors, and funds to travel to Europe. In turn, Kanemitsu gave painting lessons to his friend and served as an informal art advisor. Martenet took his life in 1957, after a degenerative eye disease caused him to go blind. His eclectic collection remains as a testament to the art world of mid-century Baltimore.