Raymond Francis Robbins Charcoal Drawing at Beverly Hills Art Gallery

Raymond Francis Robbins produced a series of works in the 1960s depicting evening scenes throughout the French Quarter of New Orleans that were similar in style and theme as the one below. This piece was exhibited at the Raymond Burr Gallery in Beverly Hills, California. The photo below was sent to us from the current owner, who inherited the piece in 1996 from his grandmother. She originally purchased it from the famed actor's art gallery on North Rodeo Drive.

In the piece, notice how Robbins lit the composition from the side, casting a dominate shadow that draws the eye to the lower third of the artwork, where a solitary figure passes quietly in the evening. An ongoing theme of solitude can be interpreted in many of Robbins' works.

(Note: the white light in the upper right is the flash from the owner’s camera; it is not part of the original artwork). Signed lower right.