STEPHEN MORGAN ETNIER (ME/CA, 1903-1984)

"On Gilbert Head", oil on masonite, signed lower left, titled verso and dated 1981 (aged 78), along with a bookplate for the artist done in 1928 by his friend Rockwell Kent, featuring a similar subject matter, although the artist in 1928 is also carrying an easel, in the later version he has just a canvas, as if he was ready to chuck it into the sea. (The artist is his own greatest critic). Gilbert Head was his home, and also the title of his wife Elizabeth's book, published by Little, Brown and Co; 1st Edition (January 1, 1937). So, probably a defining self-portrait later in Etnier's life. Housed in a hand carved and fatigued gilt frame with linen liner. OS: 30" x 44", SS: 21 1/2" x 35 1/2". Good condition.