R. Angelo Le
18" x 24", Acrylic on canvas
Acquired by Scott Wilson from trash in Boston

Remarkable in its simplicity, this passionate portrait of a girl with green eyes appeals to every emotion. Which passion was uppermost in the painter's heart? Knife stroke follows brush stroke. The hint of a second signature in the top right corner suggests a struggle. An infinitely interesting and sometimes disturbing neo-primitive portrait.


Although not apparent here, the painting has what appears to be a knife slash in the canvas -- adding an additional element of drama to an already powerful work.

For a number of years, the museum and public mourned the loss of this seminal masterpiece of the MOBA collection. A reward of $6.50 was offered for information leading to its recovery -- the top price ever paid for a work of art in the permanent collection.

Info about the theft - (MOBA News special edition)
More info about the theft - (MOBA News #26)
Info about the loss - (MOBA News #36)
More info about the loss - (MOBA News #39)