Pavel Tchelitchew (Russian/American, 1898-1957) Study for a Portrait of Charles Henri Ford

Description:

Pavel Tchelitchew (Russian/American, 1898-1957)

Study for a Portrait of Charles Henri Ford
Signed, dated, and inscribed "P. Tchelitchew 1937/N.Y.C." l.r., dedicated "Charlie
for X-mas 1948/N.Y.C." l.l.
Graphite on paper, 16 3/4 x 13 7/8 in. (42.6 x 35.3 cm),framed.
Condition: Stain to l.r. corner, subtle horizontal crease along bottom edge with a small tear along the crease at the right edge, handling creases, mild toning, hinged to paper backing on the reverse.

Provenance: From the estate of Charles Henri Ford to Indra B. Tamang; to Mitchell Algus Gallery, New York; to the current owner in 2003.

N.B. This portrait is a study for the frontispiece and jacket illustration for The Garden of Disorder and other poems by Charles Henri Ford, published by New Directions, Norfolk, Connecticut, in 1938. The lot is accompanied by a copy of the book, stamped "Review Copy/Publication Date/OCT 10 1938" inside the front cover. The manuscript for the book, published by both New Directions and by Europa Press in London in 1938, is housed in the Beinecke Rare Book Library at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.

Charles Henri Ford (American, 1908-2002) was an American poet, novelist, filmmaker, photographer, and artist, best known as the editor of Blues (1929-30) and the Surrealist magazine View (1940–47) in New York City, and as the life partner of the artist Pavel Tchelitchew.
Estimate $1,200-1,800

The horizontal crease is located 1-1/4 inches up from the bottom edge. Tear at the right side of the crease measures about 1/2 inch. Stain at l.r. corner measures 3 inches high and 1-1/4 inches wide at its maximum. Small stray ink mark to c.r. side. There are no inscriptions or notations on the reverse.

The work is identified in an unidentified inscription on the frame backing that references the book and includes a reduced copy of the book's dusk jacket affixed with cellophane tape.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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