Rago Auctions

Margaret Keane, born Peggy Doris Hawkins, on September 15, 1927, in Nashville, Tennessee, is an American artist renowned for her distinctive and emotive paintings of big-eyed children.

Keane's journey as an artist began at an early age, showing a natural talent for drawing and painting. However, it wasn't until she moved to San Francisco in the late 1950s that her unique style truly emerged. Inspired by the innocence and vulnerability she saw in children's eyes, Keane began to focus her art on portraying exaggeratedly large-eyed figures.

In the 1960s, Margaret's work gained immense popularity, but a significant portion of her success was attributed to her then-husband, Walter Keane, who claimed credit for her creations. This period of her life was marked by legal battles and personal struggles as she fought to reclaim her artistic identity.

Margaret's breakthrough came in the 1970s when she took her case to court, ultimately proving her authorship of the paintings. This victory not only restored her rightful place in art history but also served as a landmark moment for recognizing and protecting artists' rights.

Since then, Margaret Keane's art has continued to captivate audiences worldwide. Her paintings, characterized by their hauntingly expressive eyes and poignant emotions, have earned her a dedicated following and cemented her legacy as one of the most distinctive and influential artists of her time. John and Carolyn Kennedy, Liberace, Joe Perry, and Leo Nomellini, along with several other notable celebrities, politicians, and creatives, commissioned Keane to paint their portraits and her paintings have been featured in prestigious galleries and museums across the globe, further cementing her status as a visionary artist.

Today, Margaret Keane's legacy lives on as her work continues to inspire and resonate with art enthusiasts of all ages, reaffirming the enduring power of creativity, determination, and the enduring triumph of authenticity.