Vintage Oil on Board Framed Portrait of a Reclining Nude by Vahe Kirishjian, Circa 1941

Vintage Oil on Board Framed Portrait of a Reclining Nude by Vahe Kirishjian, Circa 1941. This captivating nude portrait is softly rendered with the central figure reclining in three-quarter profile. Gazing off while leaning toward the viewer, her ample sienna curves are gently accentuated by the red and white fabric around her. The artist paid particular attention to defining the facial features with delicate strokes. The subject is framed within a tapestry of yellows, blues and whites against a warm ground. Kirishjian employs heavy impasto to lend a sense of movement. Set within it’s original gray-painted gesso frame. Signed “Kirishjian 1941” in the lower right corner. A test of the composition for this or another work can be found on the backside of the painting.

Labeled on the back with a great deal of provenance. A paper label noting, “Nude,” by Vahe Kirishjian 1833 New Hampshire Ave, N.W. Washington, DC.” Added in pen, “North 7332. Ext. 112.” Retailed and sold for $100 in 1947. Exhibited by the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington DC as a part of “The Second Exhibition of Work by Artists of Washington and Vicinity.” November 2-30th, 1947.

Kirishjian, an Armenian American artist, was also a prolific cartographer and graphic designer, crafting realistic maps for American Airlines in the 50s before leading a career as an Art Director at CBS.

Vahe’s most noted work can be found in the William J Clinton Federal Building (formerly the US Post Office Department Headquarters). Displayed on the ceiling of the Law Library is a four panel mural oil on canvas “the Four Seasons and Signs of the Zodiac” from 1940. Commissioned through the Section of Fine Arts as a part of the New Deal Act. This painting was completed shorty thereafter. His finished works are very scarce.

“The Corcoran Gallery of Art was one of the first private museums in the United States established in 1869 by William Wilson Corcoran and expanded in 1880 to include the Corcoran College of Art and Design with the mission “dedicated to art and used solely for the purpose of encouraging the American genius.” For the next 145 years, the Corcoran played an instrumental role among American museums and art schools. The museum presented, interpreted and preserved the art of current and past times; its college of art nurtured and helped shape new generations of artists and designers. Education was a central focus, not just in the Corcoran’s classrooms but in its galleries and throughout the greater Washington region. Though American art was the collection’s emphasis, the art of other nations and cultures is, when appropriate, was acquired and exhibited.” – Corcoran School of the Arts & Design at GW

Specs: 28 3/4” W | 24 3/4” H | 2 1/2” D of Frame | 20” W of Artwork | 16” H of Artwork