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Frederick Trapp Friis (Swedish/American, 1865-1909) oil on paper laid to board self portrait, bust-length, depicting the artist at about age 26, turned slightly toward the viewer with one side of his face in shadows, 1891. Another figure is partially visible in the indistinct background, possibly a reflection. Signed with initials, dated, and inscribed “NY” [New York], lower left. Artist’s estate stamp en verso. Housed in a channel molded giltwood frame with leaf carved corners. Sight: 17″ H x 15″ W. Frame: 24″ H x 22″ W. Biography: Frederick Friis studied at the Art Academy in Copenhagen, then later in Munich, Vienna, and Paris where he was influenced by Impressionist art. Friis came to America and attended the Art Students League in 1890-91 before settling in New Bedford, Massachusetts where he worked as an illustrator for the Taber-Prang company. He did not show work in recognized galleries or exhibitions, and died at the age of 44. Sources: Edward P. Bentley; Mary Towley Swanson: Tangled Web: Swedish Immigrant Artists’ Patronage Systems, 1880-1940.
PROVENANCE: Private Nashville Collection; Shannon’s Auction, Oct. 22, 1998, lot #92.
CONDITION: Overall good condition. UV light examination shows two 3″ repaired tears extending from top edge, one into the subject’s forehead and one into the background. Some gilding losses to frame edges.
