This exceptional oil painting by the renowned American artist Albert Ernest "Beanie" Backus (1906–1990) captures a vibrant Jamaican coastal scene. Backus is widely recognized as the founder of the Florida Highwaymen movement and the "Dean of Florida Painters". While famous for his Florida landscapes, paintings of his second home in the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica, represent a unique and highly sought-after portion of his body of work.

"Dragon's Bay" (also known in similar compositions as Dragon's Head - Jamaica) is a dynamic example of his mid-career work, where he used a palette knife to apply paint with generous, impressionistic strokes. The artwork depicts a rocky cove with lush, verdant cliffs and a small fishing boat navigating the turbulent, turquoise waters. Backus spent significant time in Jamaica in the 1950s and 60s, a period that challenged him to balance his palette with warmer hues and incorporate more figures into his compositions. The vibrant colors and strong sense of light in this piece perfectly encapsulate the tropical energy he found on the island.

This painting is a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of Backus's international work, highlighting his mastery beyond the Florida scenes for which he is best known. The signature is near the lower right and reads A.E. Backus.

Dimensions: Framed: H: 30 in W: 35 in, image size is H:24in W:30in

Condition Report: Overall good condition. No visible tears, creases, or losses observed. Colors remain vibrant. Minor handling marks may be present, consistent with age and storage. Please refer to images for full condition details.

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