NICHOLAS RICHARD BREWER (American, 1857-1949). PORTRAIT OF PRESIDENT FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT, signed and dated 1934 lower left. Oil on canvas - Framed, 56 in. x 24 in. Estimate $3,000-4,000
PROVENANCE: Private Collection, New York Adam A. Weschler & Son, Inc., February 15, 1975. Collection of the artist.
ILLUSTRATED: Nicholas R. Brewer, Trails of a Paintbrush, plate 40, illus.
Note: In his autobiography, Trails of a Paintbrush, Brewer writes, "[Roosevelt] has...a way of appearing in the best of health and spirits. He never shows weariness, or lassitude. Bravery, courage and determination are written in every feature of his face, especially the mouth and chin... His is a wonderful mouth; flitting instantly from determination to the sweetest smile. He talks with his features, head and neck... I chose a profile for two very good reasons: first, he has a fine brow, a handsome nose and a determined contour of the mouth and chin; and secondly, to avoid the mobility of his front view... I think I was fortunate in choosing Roosevelt's profile with his head slightly elevated. I avoided the least hint of his characteristic smile. I wanted to express his determination and an expression of responsibility, for I think that those qualities should be characteristic of a President to carry down the pages of history."
Lined. Uneven varnish. Fine craquelure with few small losses, primarily at edges. UV: Scattered areas of inpainting in hands and face, in shirt, tie and lapel, some in lower right corner and in background. 3 in. x 3 in. upside down L-shaped possibly repaired tear right of center. Scattered inpainting along right edge.
