St. George Contemplating a Mustache - Yan Macs

Size: 8 x 13 in. 
Framed: 17.5 x 22 in.
Mixed media: found lithographs and blue paint.
 
This triptych, titled "St. George Contemplating a Moustache" by Yan Macs (Latvian, 1933 - 1993), playfully juxtaposes historical portraiture with a humorous, anachronistic element. Each of the three panels features a found lithograph of the "Lansdowne Portrait" of United States President George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, 1796.  In each panel, Macs added curious blue, halo-like circle with jewel-like points that encircle Washington's. In the left-most panel, Washington holds a blue painted mustache in his extended hand.  In the center panel, the whimsical element of the blue mustache is precisely applied Washington's face, transforming the 1st US President's dignified gaze into something subtly comical. The rightmost panel shows the subject holding a a blue slip of paper with the vote "Nay" inscribed. The repeated formal pose, combined with the subtle yet distinct changes across the panels, creates a narrative of internal thought and playful alteration, inviting the viewer to consider identity, historical representation, and the unexpected. The piece is signed by Yan Macs, bottom right, and inscribed with the title, bottom left.
 
This piece is handsomely framed and with an off-white linen matte and a vintage picture framed with burled wood veneer and gold leaf finish.  Glass protects the art.