'Flower in the Garden' by Lilian E. Whitteker (1970)

'Flower in the Garden', oil on canvas (1970), by Lilian E. Whitteker. A stem with three red flowers shoots from the ground amidst the plant's leaves. They are the focal point of the painting and in the forefront of a splendid mosaic of colour which composes the garden behind. It is expressionist in style yet perhaps might be considered an abstract work by some. The piece has a very interesting past as well. It is signed by the artist and dated 1970 alongside a dedication 'To Pat'. 'Pat' refers to Patricia Busby Whitney (1924-2013), the first wife of Admiral Stansfield Turner (1923-2018). They were married from 1953-1984. Stansfield Turner, who led the Central Intelligence Agency through four tumultuous years under President Jimmy Carter, started small covert actions against international communism that grew into some of the biggest battles of the Cold War. Mr. Turner was an admiral commanding the southern flank of NATO when Mr. Carter, a new president promising a fresh start in both foreign and domestic policies after the scandals of the Nixon administration, called on him to take the helm of American intelligence. This painting was acquired from a source in Sedona, Arizona, where Patricia lived. The relationship between artist and owner is unknown. It is in overall good condition and has recently undergone a thorough cleaning by an art restoration professional. It is newly framed with a French-style linen slip. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying the listing. Upon request a video may be provided.

About the Artist: Lilian E. Whitteker (1881-1979) began her art career in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. She was a member of the Cincinnati Women's Art Club. She spent most of her time painting landscapes, still-lifes, and flowers then moved to France in the mid-1920's where she remained the rest of her life. Following the death of her partner in 1965, Whitteker moved to a castle - the Chateau de la Bourdaisiere, built in the 1500s in the Loire Valley. Here she died in 1979. A street in Tours, France, "Allee Lilian Whitteker", was named after her and a photo of that street is documented in the accompanying photos to this listing.

Dimensions with frame:

H 48 cm / 18.9"

W 40 cm / 15.7"

Dimensions without frame:

H 34 cm / 13.4"

W 26 cm / 10.2"