An original pen and ink drawing by American artist Lester O. Schwartz (1912–2006), signed and dated 1938.
This rare early work, titled Untitled, depicts a nude study of a man and woman, with the male figure cutting the female figure’s hair. The piece captures Schwartz’s characteristic confidence in line and his interest in human form and intimacy.
Artist Biography – Lester O. Schwartz (1912–2006)
Lester O. Schwartz was an American painter, printmaker, and sculptor. Born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, he studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he was influenced by Russian-American painter Boris Anisfeld. In 1937, Schwartz received the Edward L. Ryerson Traveling Fellowship, which allowed him to study at the American Academy in Rome and the Académie Colarossi in Paris, as well as travel through the South Pacific and Asia.
He later worked for the WPA and served in the U.S. Army, creating chapel paintings at Fort Leonard Wood. From 1944–1977, Schwartz was an artist-in-residence at Ripon College, where he balanced teaching with painting. His works were exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Walker Art Center, and numerous national exhibitions. Today, his works are held in prestigious collections including the Art Institute of Chicago, Detroit Institute of Arts, Newark Museum, Miller Art Museum, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Dimensions
Frame size: 48 × 39 × 1.5 cm
Image within borders: 30.5 × 22 cm
Weight: approx. 1 kg
Condition Report
Overall very good condition
Minor age-related marks
One small wood chip on the inner wooden border
General surface wear consistent with age
An original pen and ink drawing by American artist Lester O. Schwartz (1912–2006), signed and dated 1938.
This rare early work, titled Untitled, depicts a nude study of a man and woman, with the male figure cutting the female figure’s hair. The piece captures Schwartz’s characteristic confidence in line and his interest in human form and intimacy.
Artist Biography – Lester O. Schwartz (1912–2006)
Lester O. Schwartz was an American painter, printmaker, and sculptor. Born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, he studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he was influenced by Russian-American painter Boris Anisfeld. In 1937, Schwartz received the Edward L. Ryerson Traveling Fellowship, which allowed him to study at the American Academy in Rome and the Académie Colarossi in Paris, as well as travel through the South Pacific and Asia.
He later worked for the WPA and served in the U.S. Army, creating chapel paintings at Fort Leonard Wood. From 1944–1977, Schwartz was an artist-in-residence at Ripon College, where he balanced teaching with painting. His works were exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Walker Art Center, and numerous national exhibitions. Today, his works are held in prestigious collections including the Art Institute of Chicago, Detroit Institute of Arts, Newark Museum, Miller Art Museum, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Dimensions
Frame size: 48 × 39 × 1.5 cm
Image within borders: 30.5 × 22 cm
Weight: approx. 1 kg
Condition Report
Overall very good condition
Minor age-related marks
One small wood chip on the inner wooden border
General surface wear consistent with age
