Pear Tree I

Stephen Brown (1950-2009)
Oil on cardboard
Circa: 2006
Size: 10 1/8" (w) x 17" (h) (sight) | 12 3/4" (w) x 19 1/4" (h)(frame)
In 2005 Stephen Brown had a stroke and a pulmonary embolism. In 2006, while driving home past an orchard, he noticed a pear tree in the exact shape of his stroke on the x-ray he had brought home. He instantly knew that the pear tree's pruning and regrowth duplicated the shape in his brain. Thus began his small series of paintings and pastels of this pear tree—a catharsis of healing. Writing in the 2012 "Legacy" catalog, colleague and dear friend Walter Hall wrote "These paintings are about rising above the daunting forces that threaten or obstruct one's way; both defiant and life-affirming, the vitality of the new branches, shooting up from the gnarled, suffering trunks, presents a noble and exhilarating image of the irrepressibility of the will to live."

Taking into account what was said above, about the symbolism of the tree branches rising above and reaching, it is poignant to note that Brown added an extra 1/2 inch of cardboard to the composition to accomodate the reach of branches.


Condition: Excellent. Archivally framed with Museum Glass.

Price: $7,500.00

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