This portrait captures both the man’s character and the atmosphere / setting (as the wind blows his hair). This large original pastel / chalk drawing is from our small collection of original art by Robert Trau. – an exceptional artist who created especially powerful portraits.

Trau died in 2001 at the age of 78. A World War II veteran, he had been an advertising commercial artist who relocated to Florida (from Cincinnati) eight years earlier. The following is an excerpt from his obituary in the St. Petersburg Times (11/29/2001):

TRAU, ROBERT A., 78, of Plant City, died Tuesday (Nov. 27, 2001) in Plant City. Born in Cleveland, he came to the Tampa area in 1993 from Cincinnati. He was an advertising commercial artist, World War II Army veteran, a member of Olin S. Wright Masonic Lodge 79, F&AM, and East Hillsborough County Art League. He was Presbyterian. Survivors include ……

When we purchased this original work of art several years ago, we initially presumed it was a portrait of an old Indian scout with eyes narrowed, scanning the horizon. Some who have seen it think that perhaps it is instead a portrait of an old cowboy or ranch hand.

As with all of Robert Trau’s drawings, a close inspection reveals a rich use of vivid colors. The face is constructed with yellow, orange, blue, brown, black, white, etc. While the hat appears gray and his hair white, a close inspection of them -- together with the feather -- also reveals a rainbow of colors. His white / gray / blue hair blows across his pink / fuchsia neck scarf and his tan ( fur ? ) collar. The face / portrait emerges from the solid gray / tan background of the paper. Some of his initial sketching is visible around the collar and the hat.

For those who combine an interest in the American West (and Indians and cowboys) with a love of original works of art, ……this would be an iconic centerpiece of any collection.   For those who collect original works of art featuring men wearing hats, this would be a unique addition to your “theme” collection.

Trau’s portraits are all so very powerful and specific – so we presume that he has been inspired by a specific face or faces.

The drawing is double matted under glass. The wood frame is a combination of a gold and dark rust finish. The frame (with a wire on the back) shows wear from age and handling.

The frame is under 32 ½” x under 25” x under 7/8”.

The mat window is under 24 ¼” x under 16 ¾”.

In response to an inquiry, we have quickly photographed this to get it listed. Interference from reflections and glare on the glass prevent you from seeing it well --- but we will try to re-photograph it another day. The depth and richness of the vivid colors can be easily seen in person.

******  Several people have told us that this original work of art appears to be a portrait of Chief Dan George in the role of Lone Watie in Clint Eastwood's 1976 film The Outlaw Josie Wales.  ******

Be sure to watch the 8 part event on AMC --- The American West (produced by Robert Redford).

***********   PLEASE NOTE:     LOCAL PICK UP ONLY (but we can refer you to packers/shippers such as the UPS Store and FED EX) **********************************************************************************

All of the art work and collectibles being sold by Adams-Byrd have been collected and selected one at a time by the proprietor, an art historian with many years of training and experience in university art history departments, museums, galleries and historic sites both in the U.S. and abroad.  Our small family business has been based in the Washington, D.C. area for many years.  Our online presence has now replaced our brick & mortar locations. The art and collectibles that we are offering to discerning shoppers are special and unique pieces that have been carefully “curated” by us. 

www.adamsbyrdcollection.com

www.adamsbyrdantiques.com

********* SUMMER SPECIAL -- For a few days our $950 regular price is being lowered to $550 --- Local Pickup Only OR we can suggest packers/shippers & we can deliver the framed original work of art (as a courtesy) to the UPS Store or the FEDEX OFFICE Store if you hire either of them for the job  *************

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