This 50" x 57" painting was done by Robert Bonaparte in 1983. Painted in an abstract manner, the composition consists of a central seated figure along with various ambiguous shapes and forms. This figure, dominating the canvas, is portrayed in a minimalist style, and lacking any realistically distinct facial features, adding to the piece’s enigmatic allure. To the figure’s left, a green backdrop hosts a dark silhouette of a face, barely discernible at the canvas’s edge. Adjacent to this profile are two abstract forms, painted purple with black lines and outlining. The right side contrasts with a warm yellow background and in the upper right hand corner, a lighter yellow area appears just above the figure. The use of ambiguous shapes and the absence of a clear narrative context lend the artwork an intriguing, dreamlike quality.

In the vibrant aftermath of WWII, amidst an Oklahoma City blooming with cultural resurgence thanks to New Deal initiatives, a young Robert Bonaparte found his calling alongside his childhood friend and neighbor, Ed Ruscha. While Ruscha's works found global acclaim, Bonaparte's creations remained a treasured secret, known only to a select group of collectors and friends. Born in 1933 in Oklahoma City, Robert Bonaparte emerged as a pivotal yet under-recognized figure in the abstract art scene. From an early age, Bonaparte formed a profound friendship and artistic dialogue with Ed Ruscha, a relationship that would influence both artists' careers. After graduating from the University of Arizona in 1956, Bonaparte's thirst for knowledge took him to Rome, Italy, where he furthered his studies in art, broadening his perspective and technique. In 1959, alongside a cohort of Oklahoma artists, he relocated to California, where his artistic expression flourished. Bonaparte's work, known for its vibrant landscapes and introspective still lifes, has graced galleries worldwide, from Galleria "La Vetrina" in Rome to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman, Oklahoma, showcasing his international acclaim and versatility. Despite the quieter recognition compared to his contemporaries, Bonaparte's contributions to the art world are invaluable.