George Albert Harris. (1913-1991)

California School

BIRD MAN OF ALCATRAZ, circa 1947-49

(#9427)

30 x 50 inches / 34 x 54 framed

Oil on board

Signed lower left: “Harris”

Provenance:          Dave Carlson Fine Art, Carmel, California (circa 1995-2000)

               Private Dealer, Santa Cruz, California

Born in San Francisco, George Harris was one of 26 muralists selected in 1934 to paint frescos at Coit Tower in San Francisco for the Public works of Art Project.  The subject of his fresco was Banking and Law.  

     With a Ph.D. from Stanford University, he taught at San Francisco State College, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Stanford University, and at the Alcatraz Penitentiary.  It was during this time he met Robert Franklin Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz”, and painted this abstract expressionist figural work.

     In 1950 he was commissioned to paint a 27 foot long mural entitled A Century of Progress in San Francisco.  Another of his murals can be seen in the Woodland California post office.

     He later taught at Notre Dame College in Belmont and Emanuel College in Boston.  Moving to England, he continued teaching until 1978.  In 1980, he moved to Southern France where he continued to paint until his death.