Historic artwork donated to local museum

NORWALK — On May 17, the Firelands Historical Society will host Framing the Firelands, an event celebrating the recent acquisition of an original, early portrait by the great Romantic painter Eugène Delacroix of his nephew, Charles de Verninac. This work was very likely the first and only painting by Delacroix to come to North America and remain here. It was gifted to the Firelands Museum by Norwalk native and renowned artist Martin Kline in honor of his mother, Mary Ruth Kline, who was a lifetime member of the Firelands Historical Society. According to an article by Elaine Banks Stanton of Doyle Auctions of New York, the painting was done during the winter of 1825-26 and is an intimate portrayal of Charles, who was only five years younger than Delacroix, and grew up with the artist acting as his informal guardian and honorary older brother. Charles was educated in Paris, graduated from law school and entered the French diplomatic service in 1829, a career choice that sent him on various international missions. It was said that the portrait was "such a significant testament to his uncle's affection that Charles took it with him on his diplomatic travels," which is how it landed in New York in 1834. More interesting facts about Delacroix and this incredible work of art will be shared on Sunday, May 17 at the Laning-Young Research Center, where the painting will be on exhibit. Martin Kline will be there to answer questions about the painting, as well as several of his own pieces, which he gifted to the Firelands Museum as well and which will also be on display. Kline grew up in Norwalk, displaying an interest in the arts at an early age. He delved into the formal study of studio art and art history at Ohio University and graduated in 1983. Martin has traveled extensively throughout his career, and his artistic practice has been influenced by an enriching exposure to a diversity of art. The uniting force remains his acute affinity to nature. Kline is primarily known for his work in encaustic, the painting medium of mixing pigment with heated and liquified wax, an ancient technique that is as challenging to perfect as it is compelling to behold. Kline's work has been exhibited across the United States and abroad and is included in the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. "I gifted this work to the Firelands Museum in honor of my mother, Mary Ruth Landoll Kline, who was a lifelong supporter of the museum and an avid history buff," Kline said. "I know how much the institution and its programs meant to her and I hope to enrich as well as broaden the collection with this addition. My mother encouraged me to become an artist and I could think of no better way to honor and commemorate her life and love than with this work of art." Framing the Firelands will also have on display paintings from area high school art departments. The event, located at 9 Case Avenue, is free of charge and open to the public from noon to 3 p.m. The Preston-Wickham House on 4 Case Avenue will also be open.