Description:
Stuart Davis (American, 1892-1964)
Marine Scene/Docks, Gloucester, Massachusetts, alternatively titled Gloucester Docks Motif #1
Signed "STUART DAVIS" within the composition l.l. and "Stuart Davis" in script l.r., dated c. 1933 in the Stuart Davis catalogue raisonné (see below).
Gouache and ink on paper mounted to paperboard, 8 7/8 x 7 in. (22.2 x 17.8 cm),framed.
Condition: Stains to l.r. corner and c.r. edge, pale stains/fox marks to l.c., subtle rippling more prominent at c.l. edge, soiling to the margins, pinholes to corners, gently light-struck, margins defined with pencil grid lines at edges of the sheet.
Provenance: The artist; probably to Elliot and Flora Paul, New Milford, Connecticut, 1938 (?); Dr. Weiss, Riverdale, New York; estate of Dr. Weiss; Martin Dolin, New City, New York, by 1991; Skinner, Inc., American & European Paintings, November 22, 1996, Sale 1746, Lot 271; to the current private collection.
Literature: Ani Boyajian, Mark Rutkoski, William C. Agee, and Karen Wilkin, Stuart Davis: A Catalogue Raisonné, Volume Two (New Haven: Yale University Art Gallery, 2007),as No. 1179, pp. 601-2 (ill.).
N.B. This work is assumed to be one noted by Davis in his record of works sold between 1936 and 1940 as Gloucester Docks Motif #1, sold to Flora and Elliot Paul in 1938. The catalogue raisonné entry notes two related works also from 1933: a sketchbook drawing Study for "Waterfront" and an oil Waterfront.
A photocopy of a letter from Earl Davis, the artist's son, dated June 7, 1996, accompanies the lot. In the letter, Mr. Davis confirms the authenticity of the work and states that both signatures are original. The letter predates the publication of the catalogue raisonné.
Estimate $20,000-30,000
Framed dimensions are 24 x 22 3/8 in.
Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. 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 shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
Earl Davis, William C. Agee, Ani Boyajian, Elliot Paul, Mark Rutkoski, Flora Paul, Weiss, New Milford, RiverdaleRobin S.R. Starr
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