The Blind King

Paul F. Keene, The Blind King, c. 1950-1959. Oil on canvas.

Paul F. Keene, The Blind King, c. 1950-1959. Oil on canvas.

Name/Title

The Blind King

Description

The Blind King Self-described as an “abstract figurative painter,” Keene–a Philadelphia-based artist–used vivid color, expressive line, and geometric abstraction to convey personal experiences and concerns—especially those related to local African American communities. He painted The Blind King early in his career, and its subject and style demonstrates the impact of his sojourns to Paris and Haiti in the 1950s on his work. The crowned figure, whose identity is uncertain, aligns with the spiritual and mythological themes Keene explored during these years. Swirling, tightly clustered lines and saturated reds, greens, golds and oranges create drama and tension.

Artwork Details

Medium

Oil on Canvas

Made/Created

Artist

Paul Keene

Date made

circa 1950 - 1959

Time Period

20th Century

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Credit Line

Label

Gift of Benjamin D. Bernstein

Label Type

Cultural/Historical Context

Label

Self-described as an “abstract figurative painter,” Keene–a Philadelphia-based artist–used vivid color, expressive line, and geometric abstraction to convey personal experiences and concerns—especially those related to local African American communities. He painted The Blind King early in his career, and its subject and style demonstrates the impact of his sojourns to Paris and Haiti in the 1950s on his work. The crowned figure, whose identity is uncertain, aligns with the spiritual and mythological themes Keene explored during these years. Swirling, tightly clustered lines and saturated reds, greens, golds and oranges create drama and tension.