This is a captivating and visually striking RARE Unusual Antique Old Spanish Woman Portrait Oil Painting on canvas, depicting the portrait of a lovely young Spanish woman, who stares directly at the viewer with large, expressive eyes. She stands on a high rooftop terrace, and in the distance, an old church steeple and several small hills can be seen. The subject has long black hair and wears traditional Spanish clothing, with a lace collar and white sleeves. This artwork is by the elusive and seldomly seen early 20th century Russian - American painter, Basil Orloff (b. 1907.) To my knowledge, this is the first artwork by Orloff to ever be offered for sale since the invention of the Internet. I could not find much biographical information on this painter, but perhaps you know more about him or his work? Signed: "Basil Orloff" in the lower right corner. Additionally, this piece is signed and titled by the artist on the verso: "Basil Orloff...Spanish Romantique." Approximately 14 x 18 inches. This painting likely dates to the 1930's - 1940's, when the artist was exhibiting at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California. Good condition for nearly a century of age, with some mild edge wear, and a few speckles of light paint loss across the canvas (please see photos.) Acquired in Pasadena, California. If you like what you see, I encourage you to make an Offer. Please check out my other listings for more wonderful and unique artworks!

About the Artist:

Exhibited in group show of Otis Art Institute Alumni, at Stendahl Galleries, LAT, December 24, 1944, page B 5; OMS of paintings of local and Mexican subjects, at Lovins’ Bookstore, LAT, February 6, 1949, page D 5; OMS, Pasadena Art Museum (now Norton Simon Museum), 1946; in group show of conservative paintings at newly opened Zita-Jean Gallery on Melrose, LAT, December 10, 1950, page F 6; 

Review of Orloff exhibited at Anthes Gallery, La Cienega, LAT, November 18, 1951, page D 6 and adds “Orloff was born in Russia in 1907, spent his childhood in China, and studied art here, where he now lives.”

Source: Nancy Dustin Moure, "Publications in California Art No. 11 , Index to California Art Exhibited at the Laguna Beach Art Association, 1918-1972; 2015 edition"