Description: With this mysterious composition American artist Keith Morrow Martin (b. 1911 d. 1983) drew upon the ancient Greek myth of how all evils were released into the world by the inquisitive figure of Pandora. The composition’s menacing dark expanse behind the box, the checkerboard, implying the interactions of people with these ills, and then just a glimpse of sky-blue hopefulness beyond empowers the fatefulness of this timeless tale. Martin has been classified as an abstract artist, Magic Realist, and Surrealist although he occasionally painted or drew portraits. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Martin attended the Art Institute of Chicago then traveled and studied through pre-war Europe, settling for long periods of time in Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, and Vienna. During WWII he was stationed in Iceland. After the war he returned to Paris and was one of the first American artists to exhibit in that recovering city. He traveled back to New York in the late 40s, then moved to Baltimore, Maryland where he continued to reside for 35 years. “Pandora’s Box” is a prime example of Martin’s use of classical mythology throughout his long career, exploring a new and simplistic retelling in image and composition. Martin’s works are in numerous collections including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Smithsonian Museum of American Art in D.C., the Art Institute of Chicago, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Signed “Keith Martin”min lower left, signed and dated on verso Stretcher size: 28” x 16” Outside frame size: 37 1/2” x 25 3/4” Year of Creation: September 1951 Condition: This painting has been cleaned and the older discolored varnish removed, and a fresh dammar varnish applied. There are several small spot of inpaint, but overall in excellent and vibrant condition. It is housed in a contemporary custom linen liner and burnished water gilded frame. About us: Geddes Fine Art & Restoration is run by Alexis Geddes and based in Baltimore, MD. Every oil painting offered has been carefully researched, cleaned, and conserved professionally for the collector’s peace of mind. Alexis grew up in a house that had paintings and drawings hung salon style, floor to ceiling art, all part of her father’s extensive collection. Studying the walls as a young child sparked a love and fascination that has only increased over time. Even as an adolescent she was more concerned with collecting art than browsing the mall. She completed her undergraduate degree in history and sociology from University of Maryland Baltimore County, studying abroad and collecting art from all over Europe. After graduation she turned her focus to pursuing her love of oil painting, training for years in local ateliers. Alexis completed a four-year apprenticeship under one of Baltimore’s premier painting conservators, and a seven-year apprenticeship under one of the region’s most sought-after frame conservators. In 2012 she started her own painting restoration business, Stone Hill Restoration, and developed an exclusive and loyal client base. Alexis is an active member of the American Institute for Conservation.
Price: 7500 USD
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
End Time: 2025-01-13T00:56:11.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Artist: Keith Morrow Martin
Signed By: Keith Morrow Martin
Signed: Yes
Period: Post-War (1940-1970)
Title: Pandora’s Box
Material: Linen
Framing: Matted & Framed
Subject: Cityscapes, Community Life, Costumes, Figures, Landscape, Mythology, Still Life
Type: Painting
Year of Production: 1951
Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original
Style: Abstract, Avant-garde, Bauhaus, Contemporary Art, Cubism, Experimental, Expressionism, Figurative Art, Impressionism, Minimalism, Modernism, Post-Impressionism, Still Life, Surrealism
Theme: Art, Cities & Towns, Continents & Countries, Domestic & Family Life, Events & Festivals, Fashion, History, Mythological, Nature, People, Portrait, Social History
Features: One of a Kind (OOAK)
Production Technique: Oil Painting
Handmade: Yes
Time Period Produced: 1950-1959
