Umberto Romano “The Dark Hour” Midcentury Abstract Praying Man Painting

Umberto Romano (Italian/American, 1906-1982) “The Dark Hour”, circa mid-20th century, tempera on board, signed lower right, additionally signed, titled verso. Old paper label verso from American Associated Artists Gallery, New York, New York. Additional paper label verso from Dayton Art Institute “On loan from Circulating Gallery”. Framed in original wood frame, under glass. Measures 30.5in x 26.5in framed and 23.5in x 20.5in sight. Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Bio:
Romano immigrated to the United States from Italy with his parents as a young boy. He trained at the National Academy of Design and his early work reflected his classical training. In 1933, he opened the Romano School of Art in Gloucester, after having spent childhood summers there. Early in his career, Romano was known for his work as a portrait artist. In 1942, he was commissioned to paint President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's mother, Sarah Delano Roosevelt. But he is also regarded for his work as a muralist, illustrator and sculptor. Romano's work changed with each decade as he continued to seek new ways to express "his passionate concern for the human condition, his sensitivity to man's cares, struggles, frustrations, his unjust suffering.” He was elected full academician to the National Academy of Design a prestigious honor awarded few painters.
Obituary Published: October 1, 1982. Umberto Romano, a semi-abstract painter known for his portraits and murals, died of heart failure Monday night at Mount Sinai Hospital. He was 77 years old and lived on East 83d Street and in Chatham , Mass. Among his works were portraits of Sara Delano Roosevelt, mother of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which is in the Roosevelt library at Hyde Park , N.Y. , and Gov. Foster Furcolo of Massachusetts , at the State House in Boston . They were in a classical modern style. Mr. Romano moved to Abstract Expressionism, although his works continued to include human contours and expressions. His later works included portraits of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Albert Einstein and President John F. Kennedy. His murals include a mosaic showing Moses rendering judgment, in the New York City Civil Court , and a series depicting the history of New England , at the Central Post Office in Springfield , Mass. Mr. Romano, who received many awards and prizes, had more than 70 oneman shows. His work is at such institutions as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Fogg Art Museum in Boston and the Corcoran Gallery and Smithsonian Institution in Washington . The artist headed the Wooster Art Museum School from 1934 to 1940 and then the Romano Summer School in East Gloucester , Mass. for 20 years. From 1968 to 1978, he taught at the National Academy of Design. Born in Bracigliano, near Salerno , Italy , Mr. Romano came to the United States at the age of 9 with his parents and grew up in Springfield . He attended the design academy and the American Academy in Rome . He was a member of the board and vice president of the design academy from 1967 to 1974 and was a member of the Century Club.