Helen La France (Kentucky, 1919-2020) oil on board painting, possibly a self-portrait depicting the artist in her mid-80's. The subject wears a black and white floral patterned dress with her hair braided over to one side, and looks directly and serenely at her viewers. Signed lower right "Helen La France" and dated "7-2004" lower left. Housed in an antique gilt carved and ebonized wood frame. Sight: 20 3/8" H x 15 3/8" W. Framed: 30 1/2" H x 25 1/2" W. Biography: Self-taught African American artist Helen LaFrance was born on a Kentucky farm and began painting in her 40s. She is known for her "memory paintings"--drawn from her recollections of life growing up in the rural South. Several museums and private collectors, including Oprah Winfrey, own examples of her work." (Source: "Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories" by Kathy Moses). Helen Lafrance died November 22, 2020, in a Mayfield, Kentucky nursing home at the age of 101.

Provenance: Private Kentucky collection. The consignor was a friend and patron of the artist.

Painting in overall very good condition. Frame with some minor scattered abrasions and loss.