'Self-Portrait of the Artist' by Lilian E. Whitteker (1952)

'Self-Portrait of the Artist', oil on canvas, by Lilian E. Whitteker (1952). This may be the only self-portrait (or portrait) of Lilian Whitteker as her favourite subjects to paint were bouquets of flowers from the nearby fields, landscapes and still-lifes. On the reverse side of her self-portrait, it is written "Portrait of the Artist for Anna Dudley, 1952". Anna was the daughter of her long term companion (and very distant cousin from New Hampshire), William Dudley. Together they lived in the Château de Montbazon in Tours, France, for many years until the outbreak of WWII. Then William returned to the United States while Lilian remained there until 1970.  Lilian led an extremely interesting life as an artist, having made friends also with Alexander Calder (1898-1976) and Max Ernst (1891-1976), who lived nearby for a period. She never returned to the United States yet never either applied for French citizenship. She is somewhat of a legend in Tours having had a street named after her (see accompanying photos) after her death. This painting has undergone a reconditioning by an art restoration professional and has been newly framed with a French-style linen slip.The artist signed and dated the work in the lower left hand. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying the listing. Upon request a video will 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 and spent most of her time painting landscapes, still-lifes, and flowers. She moved to France in the mid-1920's where she remained the rest of her life. In 1970, due to her ill health and inability to afford the upkeep of the property, Whitteker moved to another castle - the Château de la Bourdaisiere, built in the 1500s in the Loire Valley (at that time the château was a retirement home). Here she died in 1979. A street in Tours, France, "Allee Lilian Whitteker", was named after her. 

Dimensions with frame:

H 58 cm / 22.8"

W 51 cm / 20.1"

Dimensions without frame:

H 41 cm / 16.1"

W 33.5 cm / 13.2"