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Marguerite Blasingame
Original Modernist Hawaiian Sunrise Oil Painting

c.1940s

About the Item

Original modernist oil painting Hawaiian symbolist sunset by Marguerite Louis Blasingame. Robert Azensky Fine art is pleased to offer this 1940s modern symbolist oil painting of sunset at birth of Hawaii by Marguerite Louis Blasingame (American; 1906-1947), circa 1940-45. This painting presents a stylized volcanic form rendered in deep blues and blacks, rising from the lower half of the canvas. Behind it, a halo of soft, radiant light in pale yellow, turquoise, and sky blue fans upward into the sky in smooth, vertical rays. The transition from dark to light is seamless, creating a strong visual and symbolic contrast—suggesting emergence, renewal, or spiritual awakening. The composition is both minimal and monumental, evoking the elemental power of nature and the quiet intensity often found in Blasingame’s work. The restrained palette and atmospheric blending enhance the meditative, almost mystical quality of the scene. Medium: Oil paint, linen on stretcher bars Condition: Good: Condition and wear consistent with age (see condition notes). Unframed Canvas size: 30"H x 24"W Marguerite and her husband Frank Blasingame were two of five artists in Hawaii during the early thirties that delved into the Polynesian history and traditions and their island symbolism, all the works are signed only Blasingame during their marriage. Born in Honolulu and trained at Stanford University in California, Marguerite Blasingame was among the artists in Hawaii who, before World War II, experimented with decorative patterns using natural forms, especially tropical foliage and flowers and used stylized imagery of Hawaiian figures. She was an American sculptor and painter and she was a member of the Hawaiian Mural Guild. Her work is in many locations in Hawaii including the Honolulu Academy, Library of Hawaii and Ala Moana Park. She was born Marguerite Louis in Honolulu in 1906. She graduated from the University of Hawaii and then went on to earn an M. A. in art from Stanford University in 1928. Marguerite returned to Hawaii, where she became an established sculptor of figural works, many of them bas-reliefs in wood and stone. Her depictions were usually sinuous in contour with simplified anatomy. During the Great Depression she was a Works Progress Administration artist and filled many commissions for architectural panels and Bas-relief wood sculptures. Blasingame also painted in a symbolist style and was a member of the Hawaiian Mural Guild. She authored A Course in Art Appreciation for the Adult Layman, which was published by Stanford University Press. Marguerite Louis Blasingame died in 1947 while traveling in Mexico. One of her wooden sculptures is installed in the John Dominis and Patches Damon Holt Gallery of the Honolulu Museum of Art. Other sculptures in public places includes an untitled 1935 marble sculpture in Ala Moana Park, Honolulu, Hawaii and Hawaiian Decagonal Fountain (1934–1935) at Kawananakoa School, Honolulu, Hawaii.
  • Creator:
    Marguerite Blasingame (1906-1947, American)
  • Creation Year:
    c.1940s
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 24 in (60.96 cm)Depth: 0.75 in (1.91 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Good condition; Professionally cleaned, new stretcher bars, minor missing paint repaired and inpainted. New UV-resistant, non-yellowing varnish applied.
  • Gallery Location:
    Soquel, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: D98221stDibs: LU54216154422

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