This 1956 ink drawing 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.

1956
India Ink on Paper
11.5"x9" unframed

Signed on the lower right. Good vintage condition.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: good vintage condition

Materials & Techniques:
Paper, Pen and Ink

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

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; good vintage condition