Up for sale is an exceptionally rare original acrylic painting by the celebrated 20th century Virgin Islands painter Albert Edward Daniel. Executed in acrylic on canvas artist board this painting is signed in the low right corner “A.E.D.” and dated just below 1980. Albert Daniel is one of the most important 20th century Thomian painters and carries a significant amount of cultural weight with his body of work which was developed entirely on his own. Daniel did not receive any formal training and had fully developed his folk style by the 1950’s completely disregarded perspective exchanging it for an attractive unique vision of the world. He was particularly talented when it came to painting motion and his palette containing eye popping colors which just scream when hung on the wall.

This painting is a phenomenal example from the artist who was known for painting directly from his heart his entire life. It portrays an older man wearing suspenders, possibly a self portrait, staring out to the open ocean from a white dock with red posts. With his hand held behind his back he stares out reflecting on the past which is beautifully echoed when reading the artists perosnal description of the painting as seen verso. Daniel would often write poems or descriptions on the back of the art boards and this one contains a heart warming and long confession.

“Oh where have the little cobles and schooners gone?

The sailors and the passengers? Yes, nothing lasts…..

We are only here for a brief time…

Let us try our best to be ready for

When the summons comes…

Lord Jesus, give us faith and courage to go on!

From the 1970’s the artist focused on his dissatisfaction with the future generation and general focus the world had moving from its traditional values to vain desires. This work was executed in 1980, just two years prior to his death and takes a different take on what his later paintings usually show. It is sweet, charming and introspective. At the end of his life he remembers the old ships and times of yesteryear and has fond emotions revolving around the memories. The figure in the painting stares out to the sea which has stayed the same with its white arching clouds overhead but yet everything seems to have changed.

Having the work accompanied by its description written in Albert’s hand takes this to the next level adding considerable more depth and importance. It is a late painting by the artist and one that deserves to be greatly cherished. The painting measures 20 x 24 inches and is in excellent condition while its cherry wood frame measures 23.25 x 27 inches shows some minor cosmetic blemishes. I love the brush work and colors used especially in that of the ocean, usually painted in blues and green, this ocean shows vibrant yellow, pink and red giving us hope for a bright happy future. This painting does not end on a bleak note but that of hope for what tomorrow can bring. A devout Catholic Daniel painted expressing his faith and love for the Creator which this work stupendously shows. The images provided accurately represent the quality, condition and aesthetic beauty of this rare Caribbean painting but if you have any questions please feel free to ask prior to purchasing!