Ira Yeager Comtesse Angelique Fougeret de Maussion Portriat Oil Painting 30"

Description

20th century oil painting on canvas by Ira Yeager depicting the Comtesse de Maussion, née Élisabeth-Angélique de Fougeret (1771-1851) who wrote the book "Rescapes de Thermidor" (Rescues / Survivors of Thermidor). Depicts a figure (presumably the Comtesse) in a costume of men's clothing, mask, and French cockade on her tricorn hat, holding a small dog. Along the bottom is inscribed: "Comtesse Angelique Fourgeret de Maussion 1772-1851 Rescapes de Thermidor Estampe Von Yager."

"Ira Yeager was born November 10, 1938 and raised in Bellingham, Washington, as one of three children. His father, Ira Yeager Sr., founded a sporting goods store - that continues to bear his name - and led fishing and hunting expeditions in the majestic Pacific Northwest. The younger Ira rejected these pursuits and turned to art, taking up painting by the time he was only eight years old. His father's work, however, exposed young Ira to Native American culture and experiences which would inform a significant portion of his later work. Yeager enrolled in the California College of Arts and Crafts in San Francisco where he studied with the abstract expressionist Richard Diebenkorn, who would push him to adopt his own independent style. Later, in the San Francisco Art Institute, he found himself under the tutelage of Elmer Bischoff. After his schooling, Yeager set out to explore other countries and cultures. Along the way, he developed a distinctive body of work that captured the personalities and environments he encountered while living in Florence, Corfu, Tangiers, Santa Fe, and New York City, and traveling around England, France, Mexico and Guatemala and other destinations. In his 30's, Yeager met the love of his life, lawyer-turned-ceramic artist George Hellyer at a random party in San Francisco. The two lived in Corfu, Greece for a decade but eventually moved back to California together. Yeager settled in the town of Calistoga where he bought a home and studio nearby Hellyer's 50-acre Zinfandel vineyard and farm. While Hellyer grew prized wine grapes as well as fruits and vegetables, Yeager continued his life as an artist. The couple also maintained a residence in San Francisco along with Yeager's own famed studio on Shotwell Street. Yeager and Hellyer formalized their union in 2018 and continued to enjoy their elegant lives together until Yeager suffered the loss of his partner of almost 50 years when Hellyer passed at age 99 in June, 2021. He continued to paint at his Calistoga Studio until his death on January 5th, 2022." (Source: askART)

Condition

Good Overall - Yellowed varnish; light wear

Dimensions

30" x 1.5" x 42.5" / Sans Frame - 23" x 35" (Width x Depth x Height)