The Family Value Guide

Charles Alston's 'The Family' is a significant 1955 abstract oil painting that captures the emotional depth of African American life through three stylized figures. As a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance and a WPA muralist, Alston's work is highly collectible for its unique blend of modern abstraction and figurative storytelling.

What affects the value of The Family?

• The historical significance of Charles Alston as a prominent African American educator and artist.
• The physical condition of the oil paint and the integrity of the canvas and wood frame.
• The market demand for Harlem Renaissance era works and Alston's contributions to the Federal Art Project.
• The provenance and documentation confirming the 1955 origin of the piece.

How to Identify The Family?

• Look for the distinct mid-century abstract style characteristic of Alston's 1955 period.
• Verify the oil on canvas medium and the presence of the original period wood frame.
• Check for Alston's signature or provenance linking the piece to his exploration of community and identity themes.
• Examine the brushwork for the specific combination of figurative elements and abstract forms.

History of The Family

Charles Alston was a prominent African American artist during the Harlem Renaissance. His work often explored themes of family, community, and identity. 'The Family' is a quintessential example of his style, combining abstract forms with figurative elements to convey emotion and connection. Alston was also a significant educator and muralist, contributing to the WPA Federal Art Project.