Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1938, Richard Merkin (1938-2009) went on to hold degrees from both Syracuse University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Merkin began teaching at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in 1963 and remained there for nearly four decades. During his tenure there, he continued to build his reputation in New York. His work is represented in the permanent collections of The Museum of Modern Art, The Smithsonian Institution and the Whitney Museum as well as many others. Merkin was a Contributing Editor for Vanity Fair beginning in 1986 and was a regular contributor of illustrations to The New Yorker beginning in 1988, as well as Harper’s and The New York Times Sunday Magazine. He wrote a monthly style column for Gentlemen’s Quarterly from 1988-1991. Merkin's art evokes the cacophonous spirit of the 1920s through the 1940s. His witty and vivid paintings depict movie stars, jazz musicians, sports heroes and literary personalities, each sharing canvas with personal references to the artist. His highly stylized approach showcases the relationships of different colors as well as the balance and juxtaposition over literal interpretations of his subjects. Merkin's art also always has an underlying sense of humor. Not only a painter, but a social historian as well, Merkin worked lost cultural artifacts into his art, brushing off the dust of bygone eras, putting their Jazz Age virtues on canvas in cubist, comic-laced presentations of vibrant, playful color. This piece of original art comes in 17-3/8x23.25” wood frame and has archival mat with 11.5x17.25” opening revealing wonderful self-portrait of noted artist and collector Richard Merkin in casual attire including cigarette in cigarette holder. Art is boldly signed in black ink in chest area “Merkin.” c. 1996. Art is bright and N. Mint.