Offered is a wonderful, original sketched portrait of Manet Helen Fowler, from a large Black Americana collection. It was done by listed 20c New York City artist and illustrator, Alexander Popini, signed Popini and beneath this, to Manet '43. He first exhibited in 1933. It was related to us that the piece is entitled Fire Eyes, for the absolutetly gripping eyes on Ms Fowler, staring back at you. Just a riveting piece. From the estate of Manet Helen Fowler, 1st African American doctor of anthropology in the US and daughter of Manet Harrison Fowler, a singer, dancer, founder of the Mwalimu School of African Art, National Association of Negro Musicians, Tuskegee with George Washington Carver in 1912, painter and more, Father Stephen Fowler, founder of the Fort Worth black YMCA, Baptist Deacon and more. An important work, with important provenance. Email for more detailed family information. This would make a wonderful addition to any collection. We have many items from this estate we will be listing.

Included with the original drawing is some paper provenance showing Manet Helen Fowler to be the daughter of Stephen and Manet Harrison and an original hand written letter written my her mother, while she was in the womb, very late in her preganacy, May 1st 1916.

The piece displays nicely, but there is some damage. There is a puncture to left of her cheek and a tear top left. Neither effects the image and a professional framer should be able to repair these with some restoration. It should be backed better, as the paper is wavy in the backer and matting has some foxing. Another small hole upper right corner. Wooden frame nice. The frame measures 21 1/2"w x 26 3/8"h. Image measures 12 3/4"w x 16 1/2"h. A great historical find, from an important African American family.

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