Caravaggio would be proud. Chiaroscuro Painting of a Girl Startled. Noir Painting, 1945
31.25 x 24.75 x 2.25 Framed
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Caravaggio would be proud of American mid-century illustrator Robert
G. Harris for carrying on his tradition of chiaroscuro in portrait
painting. In this work, Harris uses chiaroscuro as a deliberate,
dominant stylistic element; he transfixes his subject in bright shafts
of light and darkening shadows that work hand in hand with the picture's
narrative of a girl reading and then suddenly startled. Illustrators
had to work on an assignment basis with a timetable. Many times, people
work best under pressure. "Girl Reading" goes far beyond commercial art
and lands squarely in the heart of fine art. With its simple design and
masterful technical skill, Harris created a highly original, genius-like
museum-level Noir painting. She stares for an instant. You stare
forever.
The uploaded video on 1stDibs is coming up a bit off color. Refer to the still images for more accurate color
Robert Harris (American, 1911-2007)
Girl Reading (Gavin), 1945
Oil on canvas
26.5 x 19.75 (in)
31.25 x 24.75 x 2.25 (in) framed
Signed RG Harris, upper right
Titled on lending form, verso.
Image was published in Good Housekeeping, May 1945 as the key illustration for the story "Gavin" by John van Druten.
Dimensions: 26.5 x 19.75 (in)
31.25 x 24.75 x 2.25 (in) framed
Medium: Oil on canvas
Circa: 1945
Condition:overall good condition with a minor spot of craquelure and
minor paint loss with inpainting in the upper right of the canvas.