A very large painting by Ernst van Leyden (American/Dutch, 1892-1969). "Commedia dell'Arte figures", possibly a study for a mural. Pastel and mixed media on paper mounted on canvas signed "Ernst van Leyden" lower left.

Provenance: The Estate of Edgar M. Bronfman, NY (The billionaire businessman and philanthropist who as chairman of the Seagram Company expanded his family’s liquor-based empire and who as president of the World Jewish Congress championed the rights of Jews everywhere.)

Exhibited: VMFA, 1946; Pepsi Cola, 1946; LACMA (prize); Santa Barbara MA; San Diego FA Soc.; Syracuse Mus. FA; SFMA; Expo, Brussels (medal); Paris Expo, (medal); Amsterdam Expo, (medal); The Hague Expo, (medal); Venice, Italy, 1932 (prize); Stedelijk Mus., Amsterdam; Galerie International d'Art Contemporain, Paris, 1962 (solo); Andrew-Morris Gal., NY, 1963; WMAA, 1963; Anderson-Mayer Gal., Paris, 1964; Martha Jackson Gal., NY, 1965 Work: Tate Gal., London; Lisbon Mus., Portugal; Boymans Mus., Rotterdam; WMAA; Albright-Knox A. Gal.; Larry Aldrich Mus.; BM Comments: Husband of Karina van Leyden. Painter of Dutch origin. Until 1914 he studied at the Academies of Fine Arts in Rotterdam, Brussels, Berlin, and London. First close Expressionism, he produced his first abstract work in 1948. From its three workshops in Los Angeles, Venice and Paris, he led a life of constant traveling and making new friends with celebrities of his time: Chaplin, Stravinsky, Brecht, Dali, Picasso ... His work is recognized and bought by the largest museums in the world. In the 50s, he made collages in large format in the same spirit as Jasper Johns and Rauschenberg and applies to "reveal the secret life" of his materials. Creator of special glass-tile technique for murals. Also appears as Leyden.

Dimensions: 65 x 119 in., (165 x 302.26 cm.)