S. Spielman 2004 Signed Artist's Proof A/P 3/100 B

Updated September 18, 2026

S. Spielman, as signed<br>Portrait of a Bearded Elder, 2004<br>Artist's proof edition work on canvas<br>Signed, dated, copyright marked and inscribed “A/P 3/100” lower right<br>Presented in a substantial antiqued gilt-finished decorative frame<br>Overall framed dimensions: 35 x 28 1/2 inches<br><br>A visually commanding large-format portrait distinguished by exceptional facial character and dramatic psychological presence, this signed 2004 work depicts an older bearded man in tightly composed three-quarter profile, his weathered features emerging with striking immediacy from a dark, atmospheric landscape.\<br><br>The sitter occupies virtually the entire pictorial field, creating an unusually intimate encounter between subject and viewer. His deeply furrowed brow, prominent nose, expressive eyes, sun-worn complexion, tightly textured hair and full gray-white beard are rendered with pronounced attention to age, texture and individuality. Rather than presenting an idealized likeness, the composition derives its power from the accumulated evidence of experience visible across the face, giving the portrait a sense of dignity, gravity and lived history. <br><br>A rich naturalistic palette of warm ochres, siennas, umbers, creams and muted flesh tones is set against deep forest greens and near-black shadows. Strong highlights across the forehead, cheekbones, bridge of the nose, beard and shoulder establish substantial dimensionality, while the darker woodland background remains deliberately restrained, allowing the sitter's face to dominate the composition. Particularly effective is the contrast between the heavily modeled facial structure and the softer, almost atmospheric treatment of the surrounding setting. <br><br>The lower-right inscription provides several important identifying and edition details. The work is signed “S. Spielman,” dated “2004,” accompanied by a copyright symbol, and inscribed “A/P 3/100.” The designation A/P is conventionally associated with an artist's proof, a category traditionally reserved for impressions identified separately from the principal numbered edition. Because this example combines the A/P designation with the fractional notation 3/100, the complete inscription is catalogued exactly as it appears rather than imposing an interpretation upon the artist's particular editioning system.<br><br>Presentation is especially effective. The portrait is housed in a substantial architectural Roma frame featuring deeply molded repeating ribbed or gadrooned ornamentation and an antiqued gilt finish. Its broad sculptural profile provides an imposing visual border and complements the work's warm earth tones, giving the piece considerable decorative presence at its overall framed dimensions of 35 x 28 1/2 inches.<br><br>From a collector's perspective, the combination of a bold figurative subject, signed and dated presentation, artist's-proof notation, large scale and elaborate gilt framing gives this work considerably more presence

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