Study of a man with a moustache - Head and Shoulders

A head and shoulder of a mature man with impressive moustache, full beard, wearing a green artisan’s jacket against a yellow, red and green blue background.

The thin paint, and dry brush work are highly reminiscent of French Post Impressionist hands, in particular Cezanne, with the palette and overall composition, owing a slight debt to Edvard Munch- both of whom were influential on Alec Fleming. I would suggest that the confidence and hand date this mid/ mature late period Alec Fleming.

Attributed to Alec Fleming.

Given to Alec Fleming in the catalogue.

Catalogue wording: “Alec Fleming- No signature.”

How attributions are worded

No signature.

A Fleming in block capitals in marker- No other distinguishing marks.

The reverse is marked “A Fleming” in block capitals. Many boards in the collection carry this marking, and some of them are considered to be by Barbara Fleming. The marking may record ownership rather than authorship and is not treated here as evidence of attribution.

Good. Appears to be a later work, on the smooth surface of clean hardboard. Slight flattening of top right corner- possibly due to handling. The paint surface is unvarnished.