Willie Betty Newman (American/Tennessee, 1863-1935) oil on canvas painting depicting a Breton woman at a table, clasping her hands and bowing her head in prayer. A loaf of bread sits on the table alongside a bowl, flowers, and a crucifix, illuminated by the light from a nearby window. Signed “W.B. Newman” lower right. Framed in a later giltwood molded frame. Sight: 23 1/2 in. H x 19 1/2 in. W. Frame: 27 in. H x 23 in. W. Biography: Willie Betty Newman was born to a wealthy family in Murfreesboro during the Civil War. She attended the Cincinnati School of Art. The school awarded her a three year scholarship to the Academie Julian in Paris, where she studied under masters including William Adolphe Bouguereau, Jean Paul Laurens, Robert Fleury, and Benjamin Constance. Newman remained in France for twelve years (1890-1902), and maintained a studio in Paris. She also traveled to and painted in Brittany, Holland and Italy, and exhibited work in each Paris Salon held during her time in Europe. She returned to Nashville in the early 1900s and set up a portrait studio, where she painted several prominent Tennesseans. She was the recipient of the Parthenon award from the Nashville Museum of Art, and a retrospective exhibit of her work was held at the Parthenon in 2002. 

PROVENANCE: Private West Tennessee collection, found in a Memphis, TN estate. 

CONDITION: Patch with corresponding repaired tear at the vase of flowers. Small repaired tear lower right, just above signature. Stretcher lines. Light grime. Painting does not fully fit the frame, so canvas edges are visible. Craquelure.