Walt Kuhn, 'Portrait of an Acrobat', 1931

This is a framed oil painting on canvas, signed and dated 'Walt Kuhn 1931' in the lower right corner. The portrait depicts a male figure, likely an acrobat or performer, which speaks to Kuhn’s well-documented fascination with circus life. The figure is shown from the waist up against a muted greenish-blue background, wearing a dark long-sleeved garment and a patterned vest. The brushwork is bold and expressive, characteristic of American Modernism. The palette is dominated by earthy tones: greens, grays, and ochres with pale flesh tones. The subject has a direct, somewhat stoic gaze and a shaved or very short-haired head. Construction-wise, the canvas appears securely mounted within a substantial, ornate gilded wood frame featuring scrolled corners and a rope-and-bead motif. There are visible condition issues including minor surface grime, slight craquelure consistent with age, and small scuffs on the frame's gilding. The overall craftsmanship reflects the high-quality psychological realism for which Kuhn is known, portraying performers with a sense of dignity and gravitas rather than spectacle.