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1950s Abstract Figural Portrait by Josef Presser

About the Item

Bright, vivid and quite fabulous abstract by Polish American artist Josef Presser (1909-1967), circa 1950s. Known for his figural work this is a beautifully executed portrait of two circus performers on paper. Born in Lublin, Russian Poland, Josef Presser came to Boston, MA at the age of 12 where he received a scholarship to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. His teacher, Philip L. Hale was quoted “I have a genius in my class and I don’t know what to say to him.” After studying as well in Europe he moved back to Philadelphia and eventually to NYC where from his studio on 14th Street in Union Square he produced a large amount of art. Public collections: -Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY -Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY -Galleria degli Uffizi, Firenze, Italy -Louvre, Paris, France -Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC -National Museum of American Art, Washington DC -Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA -Philadelphia Museum of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA -Addison Gallery of American Art, Andover, MA -Woodstock Artist Association Museum, Woodstock, NY -Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, RI -Museum of Art, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY Found in a nice period solid wood frame with linen matte and biography attached to the back. Sight is 9.50" H x 7.25"W. Signed lower front.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)Width: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1950s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Very Good Vintage Condition. In period frame with some slight wear.
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU91541341298
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