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Lee Simonson Self-Portrait

Lee Simonson Self-Portrait
Usage Conditions Apply
Artist
Lee Simonson, 26 Jun 1888 - 23 Jan 1967
Sitter
Lee Simonson, 26 Jun 1888 - 23 Jan 1967
Date
c. 1912
Type
Painting
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")
Topic
Interior
Nature & Environment\Plant\Flower\Flowers
Container\Pitcher
Self-portrait
Costume\Dress Accessory\Neckwear\Tie\Necktie
Food\Fruit
Lee Simonson: Visual Arts\Artist
Lee Simonson: Male
Lee Simonson: Literature\Writer
Lee Simonson: Education and Scholarship\Educator\Lecturer
Lee Simonson: Visual Arts\Founder
Lee Simonson: Journalism and Media\Magazine editor
Lee Simonson: Performing Arts\Costume designer
Lee Simonson: Performing Arts\Scenographer
Portrait
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Karl and Jody Simonson; frame conserved with funds from the Smithsonian Women's Committee
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Object number
NPG.77.239
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
Data Source
National Portrait Gallery
Exhibition
Bravo!
On View
NPG, South Gallery 321 Mezzanine