Claire Hero Martin (Louisiana, 1911-2006), "Portrait of a Woman," 20th c., oil on canvas, signed lower right, possible self-portrait, presented in a gilt frame, H.- 21 5/8 in., W.- 15 1/2 in., Framed H.- 24 1/2 in., W.- 18 7/8 in.

Condition is consistent with age. The canvas could benefit from re-stretching. The stretcher frame shows through canvas from age and sagging of canvas. Relining the canvas would help this. The canvas is also sagging/warping on the middle and top portion of canvas. Craquelure throughout, particularly in the face and neck. It seems that this painting may have been re-stretched at some point, because the bottom looks like a thinner layer of paint and there is no varnish, indicating that it was originally on the side of the stretcher. Paint flecking visible on lower right and lower left of canvas. Debris or dust is visible in dark background of painting and could benefit from a cleaning. Paint loss and surface damage is visible to the right of the sitter’s head and far left corner. Under black light, there is some in-painting visible on the face, by the ear. This is a handsome example. ________________________________________________________________________________ ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD "AS IS." NO STATEMENT REGARDING CONDITION OF ANY ITEM, WHETHER IT IS MADE ORALLY AT THE AUCTION OR ANY OTHER TIME, OR IN WRITING IN THE CATALOGUE OR ELSEWHERE, SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A WARRANTY, REPRESENTATION, OR ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITY.