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Catalog Data

Artist:
Lee Simonson, 26 Jun 1888 - 23 Jan 1967  Search this
Sitter:
Lee Simonson, 26 Jun 1888 - 23 Jan 1967  Search this
Medium:
Oil on canvas
Dimensions:
Stretcher: 102.2 x 81.9 x 2.5cm (40 1/4 x 32 1/4 x 1")
Frame: 116.2 x 96.2 x 5.7cm (45 3/4 x 37 7/8 x 2 1/4")
Type:
Painting
Date:
c. 1912
Exhibition Label:
Born New York City
A pivotal figure in American scenic design, Lee Simonson discovered as a young adult what “painters’ and designers’ vision could do to revivify the theater.” After graduating from Harvard University in 1909, he decided to become a muralist and went to Paris. There, over the course of three years, he honed his skills while attending some of the most experimental European theatrical productions. Simonson also formed friendships with other American expatriates, notably the writer Gertrude Stein, whose portrait bust is on view downstairs.
When he created this self-portrait, Simonson may still have been living in Paris. The painting delights in pattern and composition, and the areas of pure, vibrant color reveal an affinity for the French artists Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, and Henri Matisse. Upon returning to New York City in 1912, Simonson launched his career as a set designer. In 1919, he was a founding director of the Theater Guild.
Nacido en la Ciudad de Nueva York
Lee Simonson, figura de gran influencia en el diseño escenográfico, descubrió en su juventud lo que “podían hacer los pintores y diseñadores, con su visión, para revitalizar el teatro”. Al graduarse de la Universidad de Harvard en 1909, quiso hacerse muralista y se fue a París. Durante su estadía de tres años perfeccionó sus destrezas y presenció algunas de las producciones de teatro más experimentales de Europa. También hizo amistad con otros expatriados estadounidenses, entre ellos Gertrude Stein, cuyo busto se exhibe en el piso de abajo.
Cuando Simonson hizo este autorretrato, es posible que viviera aún en París. Aquí se deleita en los diseños y la composición; las áreas vibrantes de color puro revelan una afinidad con los artistas franceses Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin y Henri Matisse. Al regresar a Nueva York en 1912, Simonson comenzó su carrera de escenógrafo. En 1919 se integró a la junta directiva fundadora del Theater Guild.
Provenance:
Karl Simonson, New York, son of artist; gift 1967 to NPG; received and accessioned 1977
Topic:
Interior  Search this
Nature & Environment\Plant\Flower\Flowers  Search this
Container\Pitcher  Search this
Self-portrait  Search this
Costume\Dress Accessory\Neckwear\Tie\Necktie  Search this
Food\Fruit  Search this
Lee Simonson: Visual Arts\Artist  Search this
Lee Simonson: Male  Search this
Lee Simonson: Literature\Writer  Search this
Lee Simonson: Education and Scholarship\Educator\Lecturer  Search this
Lee Simonson: Visual Arts\Founder  Search this
Lee Simonson: Journalism and Media\Magazine editor  Search this
Lee Simonson: Performing Arts\Costume designer  Search this
Lee Simonson: Performing Arts\Scenographer  Search this
Portrait  Search this
Credit Line:
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Karl and Jody Simonson; frame conserved with funds from the Smithsonian Women's Committee
Object number:
NPG.77.239
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Portrait Gallery Collection
Exhibition:
Bravo!
On View:
NPG, South Gallery 321 Mezzanine
Data Source:
National Portrait Gallery
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/sm4fb6314d5-a53a-4830-8fe3-3940fc91bd4b
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:npg_NPG.77.239