"The Archivist" an Oil on Canvas Original Artwork by Richard Merkin. Richard Marshall Merkin was an American painter, illustrator and arts educator. Merkin's fascination with the 1920s and 1930s defined his art and shaped his identity as a professional dandy. When looking at his art you can tell this man had a life of many sins. The bold canvas has realistic figures in dodgy activity that will leave you scratching your head, laughing out loud, or viscerally aghast. The artist worked on this piece for two years in the late 20th century and even seems to have changed the title. It is signed, dated and titled on its backside and encased in a thin metal frame. Overall it is in good condition for its vintage age.