THELEN, Hubert J., (American, 20th Century): ''Mantis'', Oil/Masonite, 27'' x 19'', signed upper left and dated 1963, signed, titled, and dated verso #54, encased in a custom extruded aluminum frame, 27'' x 19 1/4''. #54 From the Artists Raisonne, in his words, ''PRAYING MANTID, 16X24, 1963 An abstract painting of a praying mantis showing head, foreleg, egg mass, and embryo. A red beetle is about to be caught. The frame was made by me from extruded aluminum using my patented grating bars.''