**Originally Listed At $250**

James Chan Leong (Chinese-American, 1929-2011). "Maria". Titled and inscribed "For Pat Baker - 19 May 61" in pencil on lower left. Numbered 64/95 in pencil at lower center. Signed by the artist on the lower right. A moving abstract figural work entitled "Maria" created by Chinese-American post-war artist James Chan Leong when he was living in Rome in 1961. While San Francisco, California was his home, Leong would live and work in Italy for three decades. The title "Maria" may refer to the venerated image of the Virgin Mary revered throughout Rome. In this composition, the figure appears amidst an elegant display of color and gesture. Size of card (closed): 9.125" L x 7.125" W (23.2 cm x 18.1 cm)

This composition is accompanied by two letters from James Chan Leong to Pat Baker, the former owner of the "Maria" lithograph card; trimmed pages from publications featuring other works by Leong - one including a photo of the artist before his work; artist declarations for various works also once owned by Pat Baker in which James Chan Leong stated that he was an American artist living in Rome, Italy when those pieces were painted during the year 1961; and two records of sales to Pat Baker.

The correspondences between Leong and Baker included friendly exchanges. In one letter, Leong wrote in part, "Anxious to hear how your husband liked the 'landscape', and what his reactions were. That painting, as well as the other small ones you saw here started a chain reaction toward a freer realization in my work. I'm in the throes of transition, and it's all very exciting. By fall, I should have enough time in which to work these problems out and you will probably see some of them at the Feingarten. / Speaking of the Feingarten, thank you for bringing in your sister and other people to the gallery. I'm really flattered and honored by your selection of my work, and hope the paintings bring you as much joy as it did to me during creation. I'm glad they found a good home . . . " (August 29, 1961)

In the second letter, Leong wrote in part, "Right now, I'm preparing for a one-man show at Feingarten for January. I still don't know whether I'll be in New York or not, but if I do, I'd love to see you again. The chances don't look too good, but one can only hope. Otherwise, it has been hectic, still. The terrace above our living room at the apartment flooded over during an electrical storm a few days ago. It was as if we stood under the Fountain of Trevi for the five hours of sweeping and gathering odds and ends. Nothing much was hurt, but we are still drying things out. Karen joins me in sending our love and best, as always, James." (October 10, 1961)

James Chan Leong had a very successful career and received many significant honors. Leong went to Norway on a Fulbright Scholarship in 1956. After this, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship which took him to Rome where he stayed at the American Academy. A charismatic individual, he actually transformed the 15th century Palazzo Pio into an artists' haven, subletting spaces to famous artists such as Cy Twombly. Leong found comfort in Italy where his Chinese American identity was welcomed and embraced. He stated, "I think more than anything else, it gave me a sense of self and assurance that you don't have here … People in America are constantly questioning who you are, what you are. There's always a stratum here that you have to belong to."

Provenance: New York, New York, USA collection

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167229

Card is intact and there is no writing on the interior. It was printed on heavy gauge cardstock which has toned a bit commensurate with age. It is titled and inscribed "For Pat Baker - 19 May 61" in pencil on lower left; numbered 64/95 in pencil at center; and signed by the artist on the lower right. The other letters and documents included in this lot are in good condition save normal age wear with expected toning, crease marks, and minor nicks.