Safe Harbor

Another splendid painting from our trove, this sea-side scene features brightly colored fishing boats and sapphire harbor against purple mountains and an aqua sky. Entitled "Miconos Island" (an alternate spelling of Mykonos, a Greek island renown for its picturesque landscapes and the beautiful beaches), it is signed "Jean Richard" and dated 1969.  This important post-Impressionist painting is an impressive 44 inches by 33 inches.

Jean Richard (1914-1984) was born as Ryszard Onyszkiewicz in Poland.  Although a well-known  international artist, Richard has Texas connections.  Richard first studied at Warsaw's Academy of Fine Arts.  He moved to Paris to continue his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts and afterward traveled and painted throughout Europe.  In 1956, he moved to New York City and in 1962, established a studio in Dallas, where he painted and taught.  Four years later, Richard moved to Lubbock.  Around a decade later, Richard relocated to Oregon.    

Richard's vibrant watercolors and oil paintings won him acclaim worldwide.  His paintings are in museums and collections throughout the globe and his awards include the: Chevalier Culturel et Artistique of France; the Grand Prix at the 1959 International Salon of the Association of Journalists, Writers and Artists for 1959 and 1966; a bronze medal from the Palais des Beaux Arts de la Ville de Paris, a silver medal from the Academie Francaise of the City of Paris; and the 1970 Grand Prix de New York.  The plaque on the frame commemorates a gold fine arts medal awarded to Richard.