Mid 20th Century Signed A. Falke Oil Portrait of Man Reading Newspaper, Framed

Details

Description

A wonderfully expressive mid-century oil on canvas, signed “A. Falke” lower right, depicting an elderly gentleman quietly reading his newspaper … Read more A wonderfully expressive mid-century oil on canvas, signed “A. Falke” lower right, depicting an elderly gentleman quietly reading his newspaper while smoking a pipe.

The sitter is dramatically illuminated against a deep, atmospheric background, with particularly engaging detail in his weathered face, hands, newspaper and rich red scarf. The restrained palette of black, olive, ochre and deep red gives the painting an old-world character that would work beautifully in a library, study, office or layered traditional interior.

The artist A. Falke has documented auction history, including a notably similar work titled Reading the News, depicting an elderly pipe-smoking gentleman with a newspaper and offered through Bonhams Los Angeles. Artist identification of this painting is based upon the visible signature and comparison with the documented market record; no independent authentication has been undertaken.

The original oil is presented in a handsome vintage frame with a wide cream linen-style liner and warm gold-tone outer molding. The presentation is particularly attractive and the artwork is ready to hang.

The reverse retains its original 10F-marked stretcher as well as a vintage Frame Art Workshop, Mountain View, California label.

Measurements:
Overall framed: 24” x 27.5”
Visible artwork: 17.5” x 21”

Medium: Oil on canvas
Artist: Signed A. Falke
Period: Mid-20th century
Estimated date: Circa 1950s–1960s
Origin: Artist nationality presently undetermined
Condition: Good vintage condition with minor age-related surface and frame wear consistent with its age. Please review photographs for condition details.

Provenance: Acquired from the estate of Maria L. Avendano in Rancho Mirage, California. See less