Daddy was an Acrobat. Oil on canvas; dated 1958; bears inscription consistent with the artist and unframed. Dynamic expressionistic composition of acrobatic figures in performance. The work features abstracted human forms rendered in luminous golden yellow and cool gray-blue tones against a richly textured dark gray-brown atmospheric background. Multiple figures are shown in mid-movement - some mounted on what appear to be horses or animals; others in acrobatic poses - creating a sense of circus performance energy and spectacle. The gestural brushwork and bold color contrasts are characteristic of the Boston Figurative Expressionist movement at its height in the late 1950s. The painting demonstrates strong influences from German Expressionism; particularly in the distorted figures and emotional intensity of the palette. The deeply personal title suggests a family narrative; fitting with Doyles practice of creating work with personal historical references. This early work shows the artist fully engaged with the Karl Zerbe-influenced style taught at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts; where she had completed her studies just three years prior. Inscribed and dated lower right P. Doyle 1958. Bears inscription consistent with the artist; date; and title on verso. Presented in a simple wood frame. #0032 Estate Inventory Number. Authenticated by John Curuby; President of The Boston Art Club. Certificate of Authentication available upon request.

CONDITION: Good overall condition with wear consistent with the work's age. The paint surface is generally stable with visible canvas texture throughout. Close examination of the upper right area reveals fine hairline cracking in the darker paint passages, particularly where thicker paint has been applied over thinner layers. A small puncture or indentation is visible in the lower right quadrant of the canvas near the signature area. Scattered minor surface scratches are present in the darker background areas. The gold-toned strip frame shows moderate wear including scuffing, small nicks, and areas where the gilt surface has worn through to reveal the underlying wood, particularly at corners and edges. The verso is clean with the artist's signature, date, and title inscription clearly legible in graphite on the canvas. Original stretcher bars appear sound. Hanging wire and eye hooks are present and functional.

DIMENSIONS: 36 3/8 x 50 in.

PROVENANCE: From the Estate of Polly Doyle via The Boston Art Club. Private collection.

• Low Estimate: 2600.00
• High Estimate: 3200.00