1950s "Portrait of Woman in Window" Figurative Oil Painting by Enid Smiley, Signed

Details

Description

Enid Smiley (American, 1924-2004) Portrait of Woman in Window (ca. 1950, Oil on board). Housed in a carved APF wooden … Read more Enid Smiley (American, 1924-2004) Portrait of Woman in Window (ca. 1950, Oil on board). Housed in a carved APF wooden frame. Signed in the lower right side of board. In good condition with wear to frame conducive with age.

Dimensions: 25 3/4" x 22 3/4", 28" x 25" (frame)

Enid Smiley (1924-2004) American New York. Born as Enid Ginsberg and later the family name changed to Gilbert. Attended Yale University and found herself designing costumes for plays and operas. In the late 1930's she approached Macy's, Bloomingdales, and other famous New York retailers soliciting her artist talents. Began visiting Venice Italy in the 1940s. Schooled with Guido Cadorin in Venice and Rapheal Soyer in New York. Enid and her husband became best friends with John and Dora Koch. They are noted in John"s famous painting "Cocktail Party". The 2 couples frequented each others home for dinner gatherings of other famous artist and professionals. Enid secured a studio overlooking Central Park for several decades. Her artistic style and subjects reflect her natural affection to be alone in her studio and her life. John Koch was instrumental in motivating Enid over the years to continue to hone her painting skills. She was hesitant throughout her life to exhibit her work. John Koch over a period of years occasionally dropped by Enid's studio to purchase her oil paintings for his own collection. Levy Galleries in Manhattan consigned several of Enid's still life oil paintings during the 1960s, and had success. A quote from Enid's personal journal "I hate painting these still lifes but this is what they buy". Mrs. Smiley's artistic talent was rewarded in 1962. Hirschl & Adler Galleries appointed John Koch to select a group of paintings and sculpture for an exhibition titled "The Continuing Tradition of Realism in American Art". Enid's #81 "White Dawn" graced the walls of the gallery along with American Masters like Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth. See less