Tamara Baussan (Russian born Haitian, 1909-1999). Portrait of a Haitian woman, 1963. Charcoal on paper. Signed and dated "T. Baussan 30-1-63" on lower right. A mesmerizing portrait of a Haitian market woman by artist Tamara Baussan. The sitter wears a voluminous, white scarf around her head and gazes down with a thoughtful expression and one hand pressed against her cheek. Baussan had an uncanny ability to select intriguing subjects from everyday life and capture their very essence in a naturalistic manner. Baussan lived most of her life in Haiti and as a co-founder of Le Centre d'Art in 1944, was greatly respected by the Haitian art community. Baussan was in remarkable company as artists such as Pilome Obin, Bazile, Benoit, and Cayemitte were also featured by the center. An outstanding portrait by Tamara Baussan, set in an elegant matte and frame. Size : 15" L x 9.375" W (38.1 cm x 23.8 cm) Size of frame: 23.5" L x 19.5" W (59.7 cm x 49.5 cm)

Tamara Baussan, though not born in Haiti, spent most of her life in there and considered the country to be her homeland. In addition, she was a major contributor to the flourishing Haitian art movement during the mid 20th century. As Carol Damian writes, "Haiti's art reflects a cultural and national identity that manifests itself in an extraordinary outpouring of visual imagery. The art of Haiti, especially painting, has long been recognized by an international community for its innate genius, enchanting beauty, and rich mythical content." (Island Delights: The Spirit and Passion of Haitian Art. p. 17)

Born in Bakou, Russia in 1909, Tamara Baussan moved to Paris during the 1920s and studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. It was there that she met a Haitian architecture student named Robert Baussan who she would later marry. They moved to Haiti in the 1930s or 40s and co-founded the Centre d'Art in 1944. In his book entitled "Peintres Haitiens" (2000), Gerard Alexis noted that Tamara Baussan was also a member of the Atelier de la Tete de l'Eau, working alongside Andree Naude and Michele Manuel for many years.

Comparable artworks by Tamara Baussan have been listed for more than twice this reserve.

Provenance: private S. D. collection, Louisville, Colorado, USA

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#166416

Signed and dated "T. Baussan 30-1-63" on lower right. Small tape stain at bottom center and a few that are hidden behind the custom matte. Otherwise, the piece as well as the framing are excellent.