Maio - Clown Painting Measurement: ~32” x 38” x 2.25” (frame depth) Condition: Frame aging – Art is good! PLEASE READ! Jean Maio, born Margaret Eugenia "Jean Maio" Stewart, was known for her "big eye" harlequin children paintings in the 1960s and 1970s. Maio (1924 – 1987), lived in Florida but quickly gained artistic recognition and acclaim for her contemporary impressionist style. This is an original oil painting by Jean Maio. As an American impressionist during the late-mid 20th Century, initially during a period when America was experiencing much civil & racial unrest (1960’s), her artwork presented a certain alternative reminder of the importance of more stable, restful & peaceful elements of life itself. Her paintings of children, landscapes, cityscapes and even figures of different cultures, portrayed her impressionistic sense of the everyday things that united all people of every race and social strata. Maio’s most important and recognized artwork illustrated children representing some fashion of a clown image. The harlequin (clown type fashion) persona was to evoke & recapture a remembrance of the person inside everyone which wanted to smile, laugh and make others do the same, during a time when social disorder and focus was on separation, anger and even hatred. Her paintings of harlequin children became best known for the eyes, which typically expressed an amazing and unique beauty, sadness &/or thoughtfulness. It was that duality of the joyful clown persona and the eyes of distinct sadness which attracted so many to her artistic style as an impressionist. Although Maio never received similar fame as other contemporary artists while she was alive, her artwork was nationally displayed & sold in galleries and shows. Today, Maio has become an increasingly collectible artist. She has a notable following and though many collectors own her lithographs and other prints, her original oil canvas paintings continue to increase in value as fine art. Original oil landscapes can be found for $1200 and more. Her original harlequin “big-eyed” children paintings have been sold for many thousands of dollars, depending on size and image. The Maio painting now on Intervendue Auction, is a rare find. The expression in the eyes of this image is outstanding. Provenance: Private Florida estate and collector of fine art. Congratulations to winning bidder. Although no documentation is available, the consignor states, “This is an extraordinary original fine artwork by Jean Maio, “sold as is”, and a smart investment grade collectible!”