This is the third painting by self-taught artist Charles Rabin (1897-1983) I've found, and I'll keep snatching them up when I come across them. What I know about Rabin is that he did not begin painting until he was 70 (with paints left over from a paint by numbers kit), had no formal training and, as told by his family, was not studying the work of other artists. Born in Warsaw Poland, he emigrated to the U.S. by way of England as a young man and settled in Brooklyn, making his living as a sample maker in the garment industry, then later running a poultry farm in Elmer, New Jersey. Late in life, upon the coaxing of his family, his work was exhibited at a series of venues around New Jersey and in a solo show at the Socrates Paris Gallery in Philadelphia.
I love these three men engaged with one another in a sort of naturally occurring conversation pit enveloped by a landscape in greens and browns and pinks--seems almost like a therapy session set in nature, couch almost included (the blue vested man, a bit smaller than the other two, looks to be the therapist to me! Also feels kind of like a scene from thirtysomething.) Wonderful faces, terrific gestures, and rather unusual subject matter these sensitive seeming men in nature just talking. Just right to me. C. early 1980s or so, I believe.
16 5/8" x 14 7/8", framed as found. Painting measures 12" x 10". Both painting and frame in excellent condition, including the acorns at the corners of the frame!
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