RARE 1947 Rico Lebrun Archival Museum Photo – \"Woman with Candle, No. 1\" For Sale

Item Overview

For your consideration is an exceptionally rare, vintage archival museum photograph of the masterpiece \"Woman with Candle, No. 1\" by the renowned Italian-American modernist Rico Lebrun.

This is not a modern reproduction; it is a primary historical document stamped and dated August 4, 1947. This date coincides exactly with Lebrun’s tenure as the first Artist-in-Residence at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, a period widely considered the most significant and transformative of his career.

Historical Significance

The Subject: This work is part of Lebrun’s celebrated late-1940s thematic exploration of human suffering and light, which culminated in his world-famous Crucifixion cycle.

The Studio: Stamped by \"Anderson’s\" (Anderson Photo Service), the studio contracted by SBMA in the 1940s to document their permanent collection and major exhibitions.

The Documentation: The reverse features a comprehensive archival label detailing the original painting’s specifications: Oil on Canvas, 40\" x 20\", Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State Street.

Condition Report

Good Vintage Condition. The monochromatic tones remain crisp with excellent contrast. The paper is structurally sound with minor age-appropriate toning on the reverse. The archival stamps and museum handwriting are clear and legible. (Please see photos for details).

Collector’s Note

While Lebrun’s original oil paintings of this scale are held in major institutions (like the Met and MoMA) and command five-figure prices, this archival photograph serves as a rare, tangible link to the artist\'s residency at the SBMA. It is a must-have for collectors of California modernism, Museum Ephemera, or scholars of Lebrun’s mid-century work.