ROBERT W. DALEY (AMERICAN, B. 1922) PORTRAIT OF A MAN, oil on artist's board, Frederick Wunch, the sitter, an intriguing, stylized composition, bust-length, featuring a bespectacled gentleman holding up a compass or draftsman's tool, the sitter surrounded by personal symbols of influence in his life: the draftsman's tool (he was a designer), Texas (his native state), and the ticket stub (he had a passion for the theatrical arts). Signed lower edge in banner. Housed in an old molded-wood frame. Circa 1955-1965. 8 3/4" x 11 3/4" sight, 12 3/4" x 15 3/4" OA.
Good overall condition with minor craquelure, and some staining/discoloration. Frame with minor wear.

Provenance: From a New York City and Richmond, VA private estate collection.
Catalogue Note: Robert W. Daley (b.1922) was born in California and studied art in Los Angeles as a young man. With U. S. entry into World War II, he enlisted in the Coast Guard and was assigned duty in the South Pacific, where he worked as an official combat illustrator amidst intense action. After the war, Daley resumed his artistic career, primarily painting murals and various stage components for theatrical companies. In the early 1950's he moved to New York City where his reputation as an artist began to increase. It was in the city during his early career that he concentrated on architectural renderings, the period during which the present lot was executed and purchased by the late owner. Daley went on to focus on watercolor landscapes, particularly coastal scenes, and his work has been recognized by a number of institutions, including the American Watercolor Society.

Good overall condition with minor craquelure, and some staining/discoloration. Frame with minor wear.