Henry Faulkner Original Oil Painting "Girl, Goat and Violin"

Item Details

An oil and casein on masonite board by well known Lexington poet and modernist Henry Faulkner (American, 1924-1981). Signed in the lower right, the work is also inscribed on verso the following- 16-8825-F-048/ Girl-Goats-Violin. An outstanding example by the eccentric Faulkner from his mature period, likely 1970s.

The subject of the painting offered here is emblematic of Faulkner’s most popular work. A strong influence in the representation of musical notes from Marc Chagall (1887-1985) is apparent. The artist was inspired by Chagall during his time spent in New York during his early career. In addition, the depiction of a goat is almost certainly that of Alice, Faulkner’s beloved pet goat who was notoriously paraded by the artist to gallery openings, restaurants, and all manner of public places. It was rumored that Faulkner packed Alice into his car to travel to Key West each winter, where he commonly socialized with the likes of Ernest Hemingway and playwright Tennessee Williams.

The work is housed in its original frame, notable for the artist. Faulkner routinely found discarded or antique frames, primed his masonite board black, and worked his subjects within the frame. There is clear evidence that the oil runs to the edges of the frame in this work.

This work was previously in the Greene Settle collection, Faulkner’s biggest patron in Lexington. The Settle collection has recently been exhibited heavily in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and Faulkner’s work has in general been the subject of renewed interest from scholars and collectors.

Condition

Some chips noted in the original frame. The artwork is in good condition, Faulkner was known for recycling antique frames.

Dimensions

Visible artwork is 9.5×7.5″

Item #

16LEX253-160