Howard Besnia (American, 1921–2014): Mrs. Henry White, 2004, Acrylic on canvas, signed and dated lower right, framed. After Sargent's 1883 portrait of Margaret Stuyvesant Rutherfurd White.

Margaret Stuyvesant Rutherfurd White made quite an impact on her expatriate acquaintances in Europe. Novelist Edith Wharton recalled her striking beauty: "It is hard to picture nowadays the shell-like transparence, the luminous red-and-white, of those young cheeks untouched by paint or powder, in which the blood came and went like the lights of an aurora." Although she appears rather serious in this formal portrait, Mrs. White, called "Daisy," was known to be quite lively in her social pursuits. As the author Henry James wrote from London in 1888: "The happy American here, beyond all others, is Mrs. Henry White."

Howard Besnia was an artist and educator whose career spanned over seven decades. He produced works in many painting and drawing media, and was a prolific print maker and creator of hand made books. He received both his BFA and MFA degrees from Yale University, and was a tenured faculty member and head of the Art Department of Fitchburg State College in Massachusetts.

42 x 27 inches framed; 38 x 24 inches canvas.



Very good condition, very light surface scratch upper right. The frame shows some nicks and scratches.

NOTE: If documentation is not listed, the lot is sold without documents.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions prior to bidding. Color fidelity of photos presented is not guaranteed. Lack of a condition statement does not imply that a lot is perfect. Please examine photos, read descriptions, and contact the Gallery with any questions prior to bidding. All sales are final. Winning bidders will be sent invoices from our gallery. Credit cards are accepted for invoices under $1000. Higher amounts must be paid by e-check or wire transfer.