Good Henry

Good Henry

Artist: Pierre Daura (American, born Spain, 1896 - 1976)

Date: 1947

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions:

27 1/8 x 21 1/8 in. (68.9 x 53.7 cm), sight

framed: 28 1/4 x 22 1/4 in. (71.8 x 56.5 cm)

Credit Line: San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Martha Daura

Object number: 97.5.7

Signed: Unsigned

Provenance: Lynchburg College

Label Text

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Daura invited several of his fellow employees at Randolph-Macon Women’s College to sit for him. According to Daura’s daughter, while his sitters were thrilled to participate, the college, at that time, was not enthused, as many of those invited were African American staff who worked as chefs, in housekeeping, or facilities. Based on his coveralls, Henry, seen here, likely worked in the latter. Indeed, it was conveyed to the artist that these portraits in particular were not a good idea. Clearly, Daura did not agree.

Here, the bold floral background is not only striking but also unique for the artist as is his use of the word “good.” Daura painted multiple works featuring Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, some he titled Holy Family and others The Good Family. Thus, his use of the word “good” here may suggest Henry’s symbolic transformation into the ethereal.

(Regina Palm, 2022)

On view

In Collection(s)

American Art

The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.

Artwork

Good Henry

Good Henry