Entitled Critchfield Estate, this 1967 watercolor on paper city scene 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.

1967
Watercolor on Paper
10"x8.5" unframed

Estate stamped lower right. Excellent vintage condition.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Excellent Vintage Condition

Materials & Techniques:
Paper, Watercolor

Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Art Subjects: Architecture, Cityscape, Landscape
Frame Type: Unframed
Country of Origin: Unknown

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Excellent Vintage Condition