Thoughts on 1962 Surreal/Nude Painting Signed Schwartz '62 - Is This a Known Artist?

I can certainly see how it could be Mercury/Hermes, the hint of what could be his petasos around the head (or is he just a blond?) He's not carrying the caduceus that indicates Mercury's role as a messenger, but since he is also the god of travelers, a walking staff would not be inappropriate. What the artist meant, consciously or subconsciously, I cannot say.

 

Here's a depiction of Mercury with a staff so I'd think possible too.

Debora

 

Just a (very) minor thought... Mercury was in the minds of Americans when the painting was done because the Project Mercury space program was taking place from 1961-1963.

Debora

 

This one looks like a weirdly conceived caduceus to me, but I expect there are images out there of him with a full grown staff.

The rooster is also strongly associated with him.

 

LOL

i actually kinda like this one LOL.

If I intended to sell it and had no further info on the artist (didn’t read the thread but will later) I’d call it a Mid Century Modern MCM 1962 Abstract Expressionist Figurative Painting. Yes work can be both. The figure is abstracted and the ground is definitely AbEx. I think it channels Bay Area Figurative like Manuel Neri.

 

Thank you Lithographer and Debora (and everyone - even as it was driven off the tracks!) - I knew someone here could find the artist if it was at all possible!!