Bidspirit auction | Larry Lebby (American, 1950-2019) ”Tender

Larry Lebby (American, 1950-2019) ”Tender the Lord,” Graphite Portait of Sue Alston - Striking graphite on paper portrait by celebrated balck american artist Larry Francis Lebby, titled ”Tender the Lord”, depecting Sue Alston (1873-1983), known as the ”Guardian Angel of Hampton.” Lebby, renowned for his meticulous realism and commitment to black portraiture, captures Alston in extraordinary lifelike detail, with uplifted hands and expressive features conveying dignity, devotion, and resilience. Sue Alston lived to be 110 years old and was a legendary figure of Hampton Plantation in South Carolina, remembered for her deep Christian faith, her close association with the Rutledge family, and her symbolic role as caretaker of Hampton's traditions and memory. A tribute sheet mounted to the verso, titled ”Sue Alston - Guardian Angel of Hampton” details her remarkable life, character, and connection to Archibald Rutledge, the first Poet Laureate of South Caroline. 26 in. H, 23 in. W, 1 in. D