Outstanding Henry Faulkner Oil Painting on Board Still Life

Item Details

An oil and casein on masonite board still life by well known Lexington poet and modernist Henry Lawrence Faulkner (American, 1924-1981). Signed in the lower right, and depicting an interesting subject for Faulkner: a still life, with lemon, a pair of cups, and a box of Cuban cigars. Characteristically Faulkner, patterned floral splays rise from both cups depicted.

Henry Faulkner was a fixture during the winters in Key West, Florida during the 1960s and 70s. He had gallery representation at several galleries throughout Florida during his career, and he was notably friends with Ernest Hemmingway and had a well known romance with playwright Tennessee Williams. While unsubstantiated, it was even rumored that Faulkner may have traveled to Cuba.

The subject offered here contains several elements of Cuban influence, most notably the whimsical cigar box in the foreground, a subject not seen before in the artist’s work. It is possible that Faulkner, who was known to collect discarded frames and antiques that he would incorporate into his work (several still lifes have surfaced coupled with the depicted objects), might have executed this work in Key West with a gifted cigar box. Lemons were a recurring subject in his work, and derived from his stay in Taormina, Italy.

This work was painted over a black primed masonite directly on the frame, a beloved characteristic of the artist’s work and a clear indication that this is the original frame. It is housed in a 20th century frame with lemon gilt wide liner.

Condition

- scratches are present to the board matting; dents are present to the corners.

Dimensions

- measured in the frame; visible image size: 13" W x 8.75" H.

Item #

17DCC024-220