Figures
Artist
Rico Lebrun
American, born Italy, 1900–1964
Date1957
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions84 x 45 in. (213.4 x 114.3 cm)
Frame: 85 1/2 x 46 1/2 x 2 in. (217.2 x 118.1 x 5.1 cm)
Frame: 85 1/2 x 46 1/2 x 2 in. (217.2 x 118.1 x 5.1 cm)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift of the artist in memory of W. R. Valentiner
Object numberG.59.28.1
On View
Not on viewRico Lebrun, widely known on the West Coast in the 1950s, has not received much attention in recent years. In these pluralist times, with a renewed interest in figurative art, religious content, and expressionistic paint handling, Lebrun's achievement rewards consideration.
The human figure was Lebrun's abiding interest. Influences evident in the evolution of his work are Michelangelo and, particularly in a 1950 series relating to the Crucifixion, Picasso. Lebrun's timeless themes of sacrifice and culpability found expression in contemporary issues as well. He addressed the Nazi death camps and the dangers of nuclear war.
Figures demonstrates Lebrun's late style, in which the human figure almost disintegrates. The pronounced sense of turmoil, even pain, in this painting underscores Lebrun's tragic view of humankind's tribulations and vulnerability. Figures, one of five first-rate works by Lebrun in the collection, was given by the artist in memory of W. R. Valentiner, the Museum's first director.
ProvenanceGift from the artist, no previous owners.Published References"Gifts Presented to the North Carolina Museum of Art in Memory of W. R. Valentiner," North Carolina Museum of Art Bulletin 3 (1959), listed 44, illus. (b-w) 43.
American Paintings since 1900 from the Permanent Collection (exhibition catalogue) (Raleigh: North Carolina Museum of Art, 1967), cat. no. 41, illus. (b-w).
Exhibition HistoryRaleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, “American Paintings since 1900 from the Permanent Collection,” April 1–23, 1967, cat. no. 41, illus. (b-w).
Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, “Rico Lebrun (1900–1964),” December 5, 1967–January 14, 1986; Mexico, Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes, February 15–March 15, 1968; Tucson, AZ, University of Arizona, April 15–May 16, 1968; Berkeley, CA, University of California, June 16–July 29, 1968; Seattle, WA, Seattle Art Museum, August 29–October 6, 1968; Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City Art Center, November 2–December 15, 1968; Washington, D.C., National Collection of Fine Arts, February 15–March 15, 1969, no. 97; no. 62.
Santa Barbara, CA, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, “Rico Lebrun: Late Works,” July 17–August 15, 1971.
Raleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, Changing Selections Gallery, “Works by Rico Lebrun,” August 12–November 31, 1986.
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