Vintage Mid-Century Child Portrait by Edith Jaffe Sister of Buchwald

A charming mid-20th-century oil portrait of a smiling young child
with blond hair, painted by Edith Jaffe (1920–2013) — older sister
of Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post columnist Art Buchwald.

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THE PAINTING

An oil on canvas depicting a smiling child with light blond hair,
wearing a soft grey jacket over a white collared shirt, set against
a yellow-green ground. The painting captures a moment of warmth and
spontaneity — the child's slightly tilted head and crinkled eyes
suggest the artist worked from life or a candid photograph.

The brushwork is loose and assured, with visible impasto in the hair
and clothing. Signed "E. Jaffe" at the lower right.

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A COMPANION TO THE BUCHWALD PORTRAIT

This painting was acquired alongside a second oil portrait that
appears to depict Art Buchwald as a young boy, also signed by
Edith Jaffe and bearing a verso inscription "Edith Jaffe / Art
Buchwald" (listed separately in our shop).

The two paintings share:
- The same artist's hand and signature style
- Identical Anco Bilt period frames (matching moulding, linen
liner, and pale green detailing)
- Similar canvas size and palette
- The same private collection origin

This companion work supports the attribution of the Buchwald portrait
by demonstrating a consistent artistic practice and framing choice
from the same period of the artist's life.

The identity of the child in this painting is unknown — it may be
another family member, a commissioned portrait, or a study from life.

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ABOUT EDITH JAFFE (1920–2013)

Edith Jaffe was a practicing oil and pastel painter, described in
her Seattle Times obituary as a "highly respected artist." She lived
in Bellevue, Washington from 1992 until her passing. As the older
sister of Art Buchwald, she shared an extraordinarily close bond
with the celebrated columnist — the siblings spent part of their
early childhood together in foster care and a Hebrew Orphan Asylum.

While Edith Jaffe's work has not yet attracted formal auction
attention, her paintings represent the personal, family-rooted
artistic practice of someone within an important American literary
family.

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PROVENANCE

Acquired by SWCurated at an estate sale in Bellevue, Washington
(98005) in April 2026, alongside the companion Buchwald portrait.

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DETAILS

- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Size: Approx. 12 × 16 inches (canvas), 16 × 20 inches (framed)
- Frame: Original Anco Bilt period frame in tan wood with pale
green linear accents and linen liner — identical to companion
Buchwald portrait
- Signed: "E. Jaffe" lower right
- Verso: No label or inscription
- Condition: Very good for age. Canvas is taut and clean; frame
shows light age-related wear consistent with mid-century period
- Hanging hardware: Original wire and hooks intact

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A warm, expressive portrait by an artist whose name is forever
linked to one of America's most beloved humorists. Whether you're
collecting the pair or seeking a single piece with a quiet but
meaningful story, this painting carries genuine character and
provenance.

Ships fully insured with professional fine-art packing.
No returns — please review all photographs carefully before purchasing.