Male with Lei Niho Palaoa

Robert Lee Eskridge (1891–1975) was an American genre painter, muralist and illustrator born in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. His work reflects the influence of Art Deco, characterized with the use of bright colors and stylized imagery. Eskridge taught in various locations, including Florida, Los Angeles and at the University of Hawaii. He was also a WPA artist that was invited to design and execute a mural program that remains as one of WPA’s most notable examples of public art displays today. Traveling throughout the South Pacific early on he is known for his images of Mangareva. His Art Deco designs are a rare form for Hawaii.