Bernard Perlin Self Portrait Sketch

Bernard Perlin
(Richmond, VA 1918-2014)

self-portrait, c.1940s
silverpoint on paper
signed lower center, Bernard Perlin

Sight: 7 ½ by 14 ½ inches
Frame: 12 ¼ by 19 ¾ inches

Perlin produced figural studies throughout his career, characterized by their expressive line. This self-portrait is an example of this style.

Provenance: estate of Chuck Howard

Born in Richmond, VA, he moved to New York City to study art at New York School of Design and at the National Academy of Design. His commercial art career included producing propaganda posters during WWII, war correspondence art for Life and Fortune magazine and illustrations for Harper’s and Collier’s . In 1948, he lived in Italy focusing on his own work (landscapes, still lives and figures) and developing the Magic Realist style of which he is associated. He settled in Connecticut in the late 50’s working primarily as a figurative painter.