Monochromatic Portrait Study<br>1946 Graphite<br><br>#C5298

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Leo Saal This 1946 graphite on paper portrait is by Russian-born artist Leo Saal (1912-1996). Saal was born in Petrograd (now Saint-Petersburg), Russia shortly before the Bolshevik Revolution. He endured three years in The Gulag, and was captured by Germany during WWII. He worked in the circus and theater and was trained in photography and filmmaking. He moved to Washington DC when he was invited to work for the CIA in 1953. Throughout all this, and over six decades, Saal managed to draw, sketch, do printmaking, make collages and paint - often inspired by early references to turn-of-the-century Russian paintings. Recurring themes were frequently related to European history, the circus metaphor, mother and child, and the beach. Saal was primarily self-taught and created thousands of pieces with strong influences from Beckman, Picasso, Manet, Feininger, Velasquez and Goya. 1946Graphite on paper15.5"x18" framed, 5.75"x7.75" unframed Initialed and dated lower right. Excellent vintage condition. Framed floating in a 8-ply island mat in a vintage wood frame with a gold center and sanded finish behind conservation clear glass. Show more