Elyssa Rundle (1932 – 1994) opened a studio on West 23rd Street in New York City and became a member of the New York School of Gestural Abstract Expressionism. From 1989 to 1992 she donated her time to the Gay Men’s Health Crisis Center in New York City where she created portraits of people living with AIDS. According to the artist: “…the catalyst for this project was grief. The loss of friends whom I loved left me bereft, angry, and powerless. There was nothing in their place….time ran out, just as it runs out on the many friends of people with AIDS.” In 1998 her portraits were exhibited at The Berman Museum of Ursinus College in a show titled The Spirit of the Paint. Several of her self portraits were also exhibited. It is in a simple wood frame. Unsigned but acquired from the estate of the artist.