The Story of the Big Eyes

Margaret Keane, born Peggy Doris Hawkins on September 15, 1927, in Nashville, Tennessee, became widely known for her distinctive paintings of children with large, melancholic eyes. Her journey into the art world began in the 1950s, and her works soon garnered attention for their emotional depth and unique style. However, Margaret’s rise to fame was overshadowed by a complicated and controversial relationship with her then-husband, Walter Keane.

Margaret married Walter Keane in 1955. Walter, a charismatic and ambitious man, quickly took over the business side of Margaret’s art. He marketed the paintings as his own, claiming that he was the artist behind the “big-eyed waifs.” His flair for self-promotion and aggressive sales tactics led to the widespread commercialization of the art,

with reproductions and merchandise making the “Keane” style a household name. Throughout the 1960s, Walter gained significant fame and fortune, while Margaret worked in obscurity, producing the artworks that fueled their success. The deception took a heavy toll on Margaret. She was isolated, working tirelessly in a locked room, while Walter basked in the spotlight.

The truth began to unravel in the late 1960s when Margaret’s discontent with the lie grew unbearable. In 1970, following their divorce, Margaret publicly declared that she was the true artist behind the famous paintings. Walter vehemently denied her claims, leading to a protracted legal battle. The dispute culminated in a dramatic court case in 1986. To prove her point, Margaret challenged Walter to a “paint-off” in front of the jury. Walter declined, citing a shoulder injury, while Margaret completed a painting within an hour,

showcasing her undeniable skill. The court ruled in Margaret’s favor, officially recognizing her as the artist behind the iconic works. This verdict not only vindicated Margaret but also brought to light the extent of Walter’s deception and exploitation. Following the court case, Margaret Keane’s life took a positive turn. She continued to paint and saw a resurgence in the popularity of her work.

Living in Northern California, she embraced her newfound freedom and recognition, often depicting her subjects with a lighter, more hopeful touch compared to the earlier, somber tones. Her story inspired the 2014 film “Big Eyes,” directed by Tim Burton, which brought renewed attention to her art and the incredible story of her life and struggles. Margaret Keane’s legacy endures through her evocative art,

characterized by its emotional intensity and distinctive style. Her story is not only a testament to her talent but also a powerful narrative about the importance of artistic integrity and personal resilience. Despite the challenges she faced, Margaret’s dedication to her craft and her eventual triumph in asserting her rightful place in art history remain an inspiration to many.

The 2014 film Big Eyes, directed by Tim Burton, is a biographical drama that tells the story of Margaret Keane (played by Amy Adams) and her tumultuous marriage to Walter Keane (played by Christoph Waltz). The film explores the deceit and controversy surrounding the true authorship of Margaret’s iconic “big-eyed” paintings, which Walter fraudulently claimed as his own. The narrative follows Margaret’s journey from a submissive artist working in the shadows to a determined woman fighting for recognition and justice,

culminating in the dramatic courtroom showdown where she finally proves herself as the rightful creator of the celebrated artworks. Big Eyes received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly Adams’s portrayal of Margaret, and for shedding light on the compelling true story behind the art.