an american painter of latvian jewish descent. he is one of the founders of abstract expressionism. born in the former soviet empire, he immigrated to portland oregon usa with his family in 1913 coming thru ellis island. he received scholarship to yale university, dropped out, receiving honorary degree 46 years later. his painting 'orange, red, yellow' sold for $86 million in 2012. 1903-1970, age 66 suicide long island new york.

black conté pencil drawing
20x30 inch (51x76 cm) approx.