Lot 1136: Large Eugene Massin Pastel Self Portrait

Eugene Massin (American/Texas/Florida, b. 1920) large Expressionist pastel painting, likely a self-portrait, depicting a man standing before a mirror which reflects his own image as well as that of a portrait on a nearby easel. Signed "E Massin" lower right. Matted and framed under glass in a molded silver gilt frame with dark blue reveal. Sight – 29"H x 43"W. Frame – 40 1/2"h x 52 1/2"W. Biography: Eugene Massin was born in Texas, the son of Russian Jewish immigrant parents. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and was a Pacific Combat Artist for the U.S. armed forces during World War II. After the war, he moved to Mexico to study with artist David Alfaro Siqueiros, where he learned the technique of using lacquer layered directly onto a board background and adopted the angular, Abstract Expressionist style for which he would become best known. Massin went on to teach at several universities, including the University of Miami from 1956-1985, and exhibit in several New York galleries and in museum shows including the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Florida. His work was the subject of a retrospective at the University of Miami's Lowe Art Gallery in 1966.

PROVENANCE: Private Nashville collection.

CONDITION: Overall excellent condition with a few small dark stain spots upper left quadrant, possibly in the making. Frame has a couple of small scattered minor spots of wear.