You were wild once. Don't let them tame you. Isadora Duncan is quoted as saying that. Many credit her as the creator of modern dance. Many attended her shows to both cheer and decry her as she was a woman who knew no bounds. Her natural flowing style both in dance and attire were her trademarks. But how did she come to be in this almost life size nude portrait from 1933?

We would need to ask American artist Maxwell Simpson for he was the one who painted this posthumous portrait of the dancer. I bought this piece many years ago at a Pier Show in New York City from another dealer. The work caught my eye just as it was being unloaded from the dealer's truck. Believing that the early bird gets the worm I jumped on the chance to buy the portrait. Even before I knew the artist. Even before I knew the subject. Simply because it struck a chord. I was moved by the sense of confidence and vulnerability. A portrait is a personal story. Like a biography it is a life told through someone else's eyes. The artist portrayed Isadora Duncan leaning against a fluted column as perhaps a nod to her often classically Greek inspired robes, tunics and dresses that exposed her arms and legs during her performances, something that was considered taboo among many at the time. Her body is taught, yet relaxed. She was no stranger to nudity. Maxwell Simpson told her story through the painting. She told her story through her dance. But when this story reaches deep into the soul, a connection is made. These connections are the reason for the antiques and art business. Folks see the passion in both the subject and the medium. Folks want to be part of the history of a work. You were wild once don't let them tame you. So don't be afraid to be bold, to buy with your eye as you will benefit from the experience. Each piece that I buy is a new opportunity to learn. I was introduced to the work of Maxwell Simpson and to the history of Isadora Duncan. I was shown again how chances taken are always rewarded. Through knowledge gained. Through experiences shared. Through history learned and continued. ;-) hkv