Helen La France (Kentucky, 1919-2020) oil on board painting depicting a crouching tiger emerging from a cropping of green palm leaves on a brown jungle floor. Signed "Helen La France" lower right. Housed in an ebonized frame. Sight: 23 1/2" H x 47 3/4" W. Framed: 24 3/4" H x 49" W.

Biography: "Self-taught African American artist Helen LaFrance was born on a Kentucky farm and began painting in her 40s. She is known for her "memory paintings" drawn from her recollections of life growing up in the rural South. Several museums and private collectors, including Oprah Winfrey, own examples of her work." (Source: "Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories" by Kathy Moses). Helen LaFrance died November 22, 2020 in a Mayfield, Kentucky nursing home at the age of 101. For examples of other Helen LaFrance paintings depicting African-themed subjects, see lot #198 in our July 2020 auction, lot #204 in our January 2022 auction and lot #105 in our October 2021 auction.

Overall very good condition. One very small paint flake to the upper left of her signature and to the lower left margin. Frame with minor scattered abrasions.