Oil on linen, signed at lower right, inscribed on the verso, presented in a gilt frame with linen liner.

Stretcher size 18 x 24 in.; Frame dimensions 25 x 31 in.

From the Estate of the late Joseph D. Rowand, Chapel Hill, North Carolina Joe Rowand was instrumental in developing a contemporary art scene in North Carolina. After studying in New York City at Parsons, he brought the big city art feel to Chapel Hill, North Carolina when he opened Somerhill Gallery in 1972. His gallery served as an epicenter for collectors and artists to gather and grow for over thirty years.

Warren Brandt was born in Greensboro, North Carolina. After high school he left for New York City, enrolling at the Pratt Institute for night classes. He continued his studies with Yasui Kuniyoshi at the Art Students League. After serving as a portrait artist in the Army during WWII, he enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis and studied with Philip Guston and Max Beckmann.

In 1960, Warren Brandt was back in New York and married to Grace Borgenicht, a prominent artist and gallerist in the city. It was at this time that Brandt was transitioning away from the abstract expressionist style to a more representational Matissesque manner. In 1988, the Metropolitan Museum of Art selected a self-portrait by Brandt to anchor their new portrait gallery.

Joe Rowand studied figure drawing with Brandt and fought fiercely for every painting by Brandt that came up at auction.

Some drying cracks primarily affecting the blue and black paint areas; minor nicking and rubbing to frame.