Alice and Martin Provensen , Ethiopians Shake Hands with Europeans

This is a deceptively naive painting most likely for a children's book. A greeting of African and Europe with Ge'ez or Ethiopic script used as call-outs to express in words and in pictures the narrative. Signed lower right. Alice and Martin Provensen are the beloved couple that has done over 40 children's books. Upon close study the view will recognize that this painting is anything but a child's effort. It's quite a complex composition and flat pictorial style that predates many of similar works that are quite popular today. Signed lower left. Hinged mounted on archival board but unframed.

Gouache on board

14.25 - 20 inches 

US$19,000  Plus Shipping