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Miller, Henry. (1891–1980) . Three Original Paintings.
Three Works: Portrait of a Man Facing Right; together with Portrait of an Open-Mouthed Man; and Portrait of a Man Facing Left, 1949 (3). Watercolor on paper, largest work boldly dated and dedicated For Graham Ackroyd 9/25/49 lower center; also signed and dated Henry Miller 4/49 to lower right corner (faded); other two facing heads each signed Henry Miller 12/49 (somewhat difficult to see against blue paint). Largest: 17 x 14 5/8 in. (43.2 x 37.1cm).  1: 15 7/8 x 10 1/4 in.; 2: 15 7/8 x 10 1/2 in.; 3: 17 x 14 5/8 in. (double sided). In overall fine condition, detailed condition report at conclusion.  

In the late 40s, a young Londoner, Graham Ackroyd, began assembling a book on Miller and an extensive correspondence between Graham Ackroyd and Henry Miller is in the Miller papers at University of Kansas. In a letter to someone else from 5 November, 1952, Miller writes that "A chap named Graham Ackroyd...is supposed to be doing a book for me - of letters, photos, documents, paintings etc. Good chap.'" Apparently Graham Ackroyd is the father of the novelist Peter and his Miller book was never in fact completed.

Henry Miller, the author of more than 36 works, is best known for his controversial 1934 novel, Tropic of Cancer, which, along with Tropic of Capricorn, chronicled Miller's life as an expatriate in Paris (1930-1939). First published in France, the works resulted in a 30-year censorship debate (which Miller later finally won) in the U.S. over their sexual candor and concern for self-realization. 

In 1929, Miller began writing his novel Crazy Cock (1981) and around this time also started to develop a passion for painting watercolors. His old friend Emil Schnellock,  n advertising artist who had a studio in New York City, introduced him to Italian art and Walter Pater's Studies in the History of the Renaissance, and Miller read Elie Faure's History of Art  In December 1934, Henry and June Miller divorced, and Henry hoped to marry Anaïs Nin, with whom he had become involved in Paris. Miller followed Nin to New York in 1935 and while there finished Black Spring (1936), which included a description of himself painting a watercolor in the passage "The Angel Is My Watermark." Nin returned to Paris in May 1935, and Miller followed in October and began work on Tropic of Capricorn (1939). 

After his travels in Europe and America, Miller moved to California in 1942. Although his books were selling well in Europe, he was not receiving his royalties because of the war. But his reputation as a watercolor painter was becoming established; in 1943, he earned $1400 from sales of his paintings. His passion for painting continued and though often overshadowed by his literary legacy, he is estimated to have painted over 2,000 watercolors during his lifetime. 

CONDITION: The sheets are generally toned, with discoloration and slight smudges along the outer edges indicative of handing. The main sheet (the largest) has two pinholes in the bottom corners, with an extended tear at bottom right. Another small paper tear in the middle of the right outer edge. With uneven edges, especially visible towards the bottom of the right outer edge (likely cut at some point). The right sheet (profile facing left) has an outer left beveled edge. No evidence of tear ore repair. With otherwise fresh colors, and some slight toning throughout. The left sheet (profile facing right) also shows evidence of handling towards the outer edges. With brown soiling in the background at center right. No evidence of tear or repair.

Miller, Henry. (1891–1980) Three Original Paintings

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Miller, Henry. (1891–1980) . Three Original Paintings.
Three Works: Portrait of a Man Facing Right; together with Portrait of an Open-Mouthed Man; and Portrait of a Man Facing Left, 1949 (3). Watercolor on paper, largest work boldly dated and dedicated For Graham Ackroyd 9/25/49 lower center; also signed and dated Henry Miller 4/49 to lower right corner (faded); other two facing heads each signed Henry Miller 12/49 (somewhat difficult to see against blue paint). Largest: 17 x 14 5/8 in. (43.2 x 37.1cm).  1: 15 7/8 x 10 1/4 in.; 2: 15 7/8 x 10 1/2 in.; 3: 17 x 14 5/8 in. (double sided). In overall fine condition, detailed condition report at conclusion.  

In the late 40s, a young Londoner, Graham Ackroyd, began assembling a book on Miller and an extensive correspondence between Graham Ackroyd and Henry Miller is in the Miller papers at University of Kansas. In a letter to someone else from 5 November, 1952, Miller writes that "A chap named Graham Ackroyd...is supposed to be doing a book for me - of letters, photos, documents, paintings etc. Good chap.'" Apparently Graham Ackroyd is the father of the novelist Peter and his Miller book was never in fact completed.

Henry Miller, the author of more than 36 works, is best known for his controversial 1934 novel, Tropic of Cancer, which, along with Tropic of Capricorn, chronicled Miller's life as an expatriate in Paris (1930-1939). First published in France, the works resulted in a 30-year censorship debate (which Miller later finally won) in the U.S. over their sexual candor and concern for self-realization. 

In 1929, Miller began writing his novel Crazy Cock (1981) and around this time also started to develop a passion for painting watercolors. His old friend Emil Schnellock,  n advertising artist who had a studio in New York City, introduced him to Italian art and Walter Pater's Studies in the History of the Renaissance, and Miller read Elie Faure's History of Art  In December 1934, Henry and June Miller divorced, and Henry hoped to marry Anaïs Nin, with whom he had become involved in Paris. Miller followed Nin to New York in 1935 and while there finished Black Spring (1936), which included a description of himself painting a watercolor in the passage "The Angel Is My Watermark." Nin returned to Paris in May 1935, and Miller followed in October and began work on Tropic of Capricorn (1939). 

After his travels in Europe and America, Miller moved to California in 1942. Although his books were selling well in Europe, he was not receiving his royalties because of the war. But his reputation as a watercolor painter was becoming established; in 1943, he earned $1400 from sales of his paintings. His passion for painting continued and though often overshadowed by his literary legacy, he is estimated to have painted over 2,000 watercolors during his lifetime. 

CONDITION: The sheets are generally toned, with discoloration and slight smudges along the outer edges indicative of handing. The main sheet (the largest) has two pinholes in the bottom corners, with an extended tear at bottom right. Another small paper tear in the middle of the right outer edge. With uneven edges, especially visible towards the bottom of the right outer edge (likely cut at some point). The right sheet (profile facing left) has an outer left beveled edge. No evidence of tear ore repair. With otherwise fresh colors, and some slight toning throughout. The left sheet (profile facing right) also shows evidence of handling towards the outer edges. With brown soiling in the background at center right. No evidence of tear or repair.