USA, ca. 1970s. A curious and large scale painting by outsider artist Tony Mafia (1931-1999). Depicts a boldly rendered mother and child in oil on canvas with rich tones of dark green and olive. Enigmatic, and a bit haunting, the piece is indicative of Mafia’s unusual style.

Born Robert Lee Alderson, accounts of Mafia’s life are the stuff of myth. And while fascinating, it is very hard to know what information is real or pure fantasy. He was supposedly half Cherokee and ran way from an orphanage at 14. At 16, he joined the Merchant Marine and eventually landed in Antwerp - a place that he would return to often in his life. With multiple marriages under his belt, Mafia found himself stationed in Germany, where he restored churches damaged by WWII. After bouncing around Europe in the 70s, he found himself in California. Mafia then spent time in Las Vegas, where he worked as an actor and musician. It seems he lived large, and very much marched to the beat of his own drum, which is certainly visible in his work.

Presented as found in a period oak frame. Signed and in overall excellent vintage condition.

Dimensions: 42” high x 26” wide x 1.5” deep.