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Zero Mostel
Man With Jacket & Wilted Flower in Oil Paint on Archival Paper by Zero Mostel

1962

About the Item

This refined oil painting was realized by Samuel Joel "Zero" Mostel- the three time Tony Award winning American actor, comedian, and singer- who was equally talented as a painter in the United States during the 20th century. Entitled "Man with Jacket & Wilted Flower", the painting depicts a male figure (who appears to be elderly) hunched over a square form (perhaps a cardboard box) on which a flower (suggestive a poppy). Mostel renders the figurative elements of the piece in a chalky white hue, while the background is a ruddy mottled garnet, offering a refined and striking contrast. His legs are splayed with his tightly and expressionistically rendered feet with bare toes facing opposite directions. The man's arms are positioned in front of him with one palm raised towards the viewer, as if to say "stop". The subject's face is painted in a vaguely cubist style- recalling the portraits of Pablo Picasso- with one half appearing in black, while the other appears outlined only in white paint- its contours defined by energized linear strokes. Aside from the monochrome tones of the piece and the dark brick background, the only other color present is a primary red that is used to create his lips. At once whimsical and highly sophisticated, this painting would be a winning addition for serious art collectors as well as those with a penchant for remarkable and talismanic works full of verve. While in dialogue with the work of other significant historical artists, Mostel demonstrates a remarkably developed voice, and an aesthetic vernacular not found elsewhere in the canon of art history. This piece is a chance to own a fully realized painting by an important historical figure (a cinematic legend, a political iconoclast and a Jewish folk hero). It is signed by the artist and dated '62' in roman numerals. The work comes presented in a custom gallery frame. Mosel is perhaps best known for his portrayal of comic characters such as Tevye on stage in Fiddler on the Roof, Pseudolus on stage and on screen as Max Bialystock in the original film version of Mel Brooks' The Producers (1967), among a diversity of other serious and comedic roles. Mostel was blacklisted during the 1950s as a result of his testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Mostel later starred in the Hollywood Blacklist drama film The Front (1976) alongside Woody Allen, for which Mostel was nominated for the British Academy Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. He is also a member of the American Theater Hall of Fame, inducted posthumously in 1979. American, 1962 Dimensions: 21.5"H X 17.5"W X 1.5"D
  • Creator:
    Zero Mostel (1915 - 1977, American)
  • Creation Year:
    1962
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)Width: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU711310983482

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