Clown (Bearded)

RED (Richard Bernard) SKELTON (American, 1913-1997) Untitled Bearded Clown (gifted to Martha Raye) is an original, one-of-a-kind, unique oil painting on canvas, hand-signed with his vertical signature by the internationally recognized and acclaimed artist and entertainer, Red Skelton. This wonderful painting comes framed measuring 28 x 16 inches. On the verso there is a personal dedication of the work to Ms. Raye, (American vaudeville comedienne, actress and singer) including a signature and dated August 19, 1969. Upon Ms. Raye's death in 1994, the painting was bestowed to a friend and co-owner of the well known celebrity hang-out Martha frequented, Matteo's restaurant in Los Angeles. It hung there until 2005 when Matteo's widow sold the restaurant and put the painting in storage.