Description
This mid-late 20th century figure is by Russian-born artist Leo Saal (1912-1996). Saal was born in Petrograd (now Saint-Petersburg), Russia shortly before the Bolshevik Revolution. He endured three years in The Gulag, and was captured by Germany during WWII. He worked in the circus and theater and was trained in photography and filmmaking. He moved to Washington DC when he was invited to work for the CIA in 1953. Throughout all this, and over six decades, Saal managed to draw, sketch, do printmaking, make collages and paint - often inspired by early references to turn-of-the-century Russian paintings. Recurring themes were frequently related to European history, the circus metaphor, mother and child, and the beach. Saal was primarily self-taught and created thousands of pieces with strong influences from Beckman, Picasso, Manet, Feininger, Velasquez and Goya.
Mid-Late 20th Century
Charcoal on Paper
15"x22" unframed
Estate stamped on the lower right. Excellent vintage condition.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Excellent vintage condition
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Charcoal
Details:
Frame Type: Unframed
Country of Origin: United States
Art Subjects: Abstract, Figure
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Mid-Late 20th Century
Charcoal on Paper
15"x22" unframed
Estate stamped on the lower right. Excellent vintage condition.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Excellent vintage condition
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Charcoal
Details:
Frame Type: Unframed
Country of Origin: United States
Art Subjects: Abstract, Figure
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Excellent vintage condition
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
22 x 15 x 0.05 in
Modernist Portrait Study 20th Century Charcoal
Estimate $460-$860
Starting Price
$220
LiveAuctioneers Purchase Protection
Vetted auction houses
Secure, online bidding
Returns guaranteed for misrepresented listings
Dedicated support when you need it
TOP























![Unknown (20th), A buzzard hunting, 1969, Charcoal: Unknown (20th century): Common buzzard cawing - nature study, 1969, Charcoal Technique: Charcoal on Paper Inscription: Lower middle signed: "DWienaf[?] 69". Lower middle inscribed: "Mäusebussard](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/7191/428586/238660128_1_x.jpg?height=181&quality=70&sharpen=true&version=1786966517&width=181)
![Unknown (20th), Portrait of a wild boar, 1969, Charcoal: Unknown (20th century): Portrait of a young wild boar on a tree stump, 1969, Charcoal Technique: Charcoal on Paper Inscription: Middle right signed: "Wienauf[?] 69". lower left inscribed: "Jungbache".](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/7191/428586/238660124_1_x.jpg?height=181&quality=70&sharpen=true&version=1786966517&width=181)







