The Fruit Seller - Mid century portrait oil painting
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Only 1 in stock
A striking vintage portrait of a smiling woman balancing a bowl of golden fruit, painted in rich plum, ochre and earthy tones. Expressive brushwork and beautiful period details give the piece warmth, character and a distinctive mid-century feel.
Presented in its original gilt-toned frame, it’s a unique and characterful piece that will bring colour and personality to a wall.
Signature: Signed lower left, 'J Leibo' - believed to be attributed to Israel 'Henry' Leibo (1912-1987), who went by the alternative name 'Jisrael Leibo'.
Medium: Oil painting
Style: Mid-Century Modern / Expressionist
Subject: Figurative / Portrait
Period: c.1950s–70s
Dimensions: 38cm wide / 52cm high
Vintage Condition: good vintage condition with age-related craquelure and surface wear. Please study all photographs carefully, as these form an important part of the description.
About the Artist
According to an article published by the Estonian Jewish Museum, with contributions from Yosef Galili and Leibo’s daughter, Susan Ellis, Israel ‘Henry’ Leibo began painting at just eight years old. He initially studied medicine at Tartu University in Estonia, but left after two years to pursue a career as a full-time artist.
At the age of 18, Leibo left Estonia and travelled through Scandinavia, Germany and France, settling in Paris in 1932. There he became part of a predominantly Russian-Jewish artistic circle that included Marc Chagall, who became a friend and mentor, Chaim Soutine and Moïse Kisling.
Leibo went on to exhibit widely in both France and the UK, with his travels also taking him via Belgium to the Congo, where he continued to work and paint. The subject of this portrait raises the intriguing possibility that it may have been inspired by his time there, although its precise history remains unknown.
Vintage Art Notes
All of the artworks in our collection are vintage or pre-loved, so some signs of age and previous life are to be expected. Gentle patina, surface wear and occasional marks or blemishes to the frame are all part of their individual character and charm. Please take a close look through all of the photographs, as these form an important part of the description and provide the best indication of each piece’s condition and details.
Art Shipping Service
- Shipping is available to all mainland UK postcodes.
- If you are local and would like to collect, please select 'Pickup' at the checkout.
- Shipping prices vary by size & weight (£9.95 - £29.95) and will be calculated and applied at checkout.
- Sustainable and reusable packaging is used whenever possible.
- Full tracking information will be emailed to you once dispatched.
- Items will be packaged and dispatched on Thursdays & Fridays each week.
- Shipping takes up to 10 working days - thank you for your patience.
Caring for Your Vintage Artwork
Original vintage paintings have already enjoyed a life of their own, and with a little thoughtful care, they can continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.
Choose the right spot
Display your artwork away from direct sunlight, radiators and other sources of heat. Avoid damp spaces or areas with significant changes in temperature or humidity, as these can affect older paintings, paper and frames over time.
Dust with care
Gently dust frames using a clean, soft, dry cloth or a soft-bristled brush. Avoid household cleaning sprays, polishes and abrasive materials. For paintings without glass, it's best not to touch or wipe the painted surface, particularly where the paint is textured or delicate.
Take care with glass
For glazed artwork, use a soft microfibre cloth to clean the glass. If needed, apply a small amount of suitable glass cleaner to the cloth rather than spraying it directly onto the artwork, taking care to keep moisture away from the frame and edges.
Hang securely
Use suitable picture hooks and fixings for the weight of your artwork and the type of wall. As vintage frames and hanging fittings can show signs of age, we recommend checking them before hanging and periodically thereafter.
Embrace its character
Small signs of age are part of the charm of original vintage art. Gentle wear, patina and imperfections often tell the story of a piece and are part of what makes each artwork so individual.
With these simple precautions, your vintage artwork can remain a much-loved part of your home for years to come.
