Mid-Century California Expressionist Original Oil Painting by Viola M. Allen, "Worship", Framed

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A small dramatic oil from California listed artist Viola M. Allen (1906-1997), depicting a moment of worship inside a Gothic … Read more A small dramatic oil from California listed artist Viola M. Allen (1906-1997), depicting a moment of worship inside a Gothic cathedral. Heavy palette knife impasto builds the architecture in thick crystalline strokes, with figures gathered in shadow under glowing arches. Signed V. Allen lower left. The artist's original biographical card from her Malibu studio is still affixed to the verso, listing her training at Pratt Institute and the National Academy of Design under Charles Curran.
Allen exhibited with the California Art Club from 1955 to 1967 and is best known for her palette knife technique. This is an unusually ambitious subject for her, more expressionist than her typical seascapes and landscapes.
Presented in its original period Spanish-style composition frame with a distressed grey-bronze finish, deep red velvet liner, and inner gilt fillet. The frame and painting were clearly chosen as a pair.

Dimensions: 20.5" H x 19" W (framed)
Medium: Oil on board
Date: c. 1955-1965
Condition: Very good. Light age craquelure in the impasto consistent with mid-century palette knife oils. Original frame shows minor wear, presents beautifully. Original paper backing has some chipping but the artist's biographical card is intact.
Signed: Yes, V. Allen lower left
Provenance: Artist's biographical promo card affixed verso See less