Study For "Michael" Original Artwork *Acrylic Painting* By David Nordahl (c. 1995)

Description:

Original oil study on canvas for this "Michael" painting (the final work of which was over eight feet tall).  The inspiration for this work came from a painting called "Return of Spring" by a nineteenth century artist William Bougereau.  Exact date unknown, but very likely from around 1995.

From Julien's Auctions:

The painting comes with a typed letter signed by Nordahl reading, "This study was done as a reference for the final painting. I do these as a matter of course for color, value, light and gesture. These studies are especially important when the figures are large. In this case, Michael is over eight feet tall in the final painting. The only changes I made were a slight change in the position of the hands. The inspiration for this work came from a painting called "Return of Spring" by a nineteenth century artist William Bougereau. Michael loved his work. This artist's work has risen in price and importance in the last twenty-five years. I used a pose from the statue "David" by Michelangelo for Michael in this painting. Michael had been to see the statue in Italy many times and marveled at the talent of the man who could create such an amazing piece of work. Michelangelo was Michael's favorite artist of all time. Michael loved the little cherubs in this painting - he called them "little angels".

Sold by Julien's Auctions (Lot #389) for $3,750 at their 2010 Music Icons auction.  All screen captures are the property of their respective owners.

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