Arthur Beecher Carles (American, 1882-1952) Still Life with Drape

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American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists

By Freeman's

Dec 5, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-12-05 14:00:00 2021-12-05 14:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/freemans/american-art-and-pennsylvania-impressionists-7883
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• Lot Description
  Arthur Beecher Carles (American, 1882-1952) Still Life with Drape

  Oil on canvas
  31 x 35 in. (78.7 x 88.9cm)
  Executed circa 1930.

  
  
  

  Provenance

  The Artist.
  The Estate of the Artist.
  Collection of Mercedes Matter, the Artist's daughter.
  Graham Gallery, New York, New York.
  Private Collection.
  Janet Fleisher Gallery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  Acquired directly from the above.
  Private Collection.
  Sotheby's, New York, sale of November 29, 1995, lot 92.
  Acquired directly from the above sale.
  Private Collection, New Mexico.

  
  
  Footnote:

  Exhibited

  (Possibly) "Arthur B. Carles, 1882-1952: Retrospective Exhibition," Graham Gallery, New York, New York, April 14-May 9, 1959.

  (Possibly) "Arthur B. Carles Retrospective, " Janet Fleisher Gallery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 5-30, 1975.

  Note

  The present work was executed in the 1930s. It is evocative of Carles' mature years, when the artist fully embraced the Cubist heritage he had first discovered in France through the paintings of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) and Georges Braque (1882-1963). At the same time, it remains true to Carles' first and true passion for colors; the jagged, intersecting forms of the composition being typical of the artist's abstract pieces from the same time period. Unlike Carles' other abstract pieces which used a floral still life as a point of reference however, the present work seems more exuberant and further disconnected from reality. The only figurative element is a strange, ghostly figure on the right of the composition, who remains mostly hidden behind a black curtain. The rest of the painting revolves around dynamic, bold lines flying across the canvas. Yet, everything seems contained through Carles' expert use of colors. As Barbara A. Wolanin explained: "Carles integrated Cubism into his vision, not overlaying it, but using it to rein in his fauve tendencies." Through his solid blacks, tender pinks and contrasting blues, Carles implies a soothing mood of mystery that ultimately transcends the geometry introduced by the abstract shapes. Each pattern is completed by a certain color, which has its own quality and which instills a certain energy in the canvas. In this regard, Carles' approach to color resembles music: each hue acts as a note that the artist summons to diffuse a feeling, which ultimately resonates onto the canvas as a colorful symphony.

  
  
  Condition report:

  Frame: 40 7/8 x 45 x 1 7/4 in.

  The relined canvas in overall good condition. The surface of the work is a bit dusty and would beenfit from a light brushing. Examination under UV light reveals scattered, minor areas of restoration (mostly inpainted losses): repair at bottom center, framed by two small areas of restoration; at center left; at bottom left; at center left (along the left outer edge); at upper right quadrant (not the corner per se, but closer to the right outer edge, by the side of the figure). See Specialist's pictures for more details.

• Shipping Info

  • No lot may be removed from Freeman’s premises until the buyer has paid in full the purchase price therefor including Buyer’s Premium or has satisfied such terms that Freeman’s, in its sole discretion, shall require. Subject to the foregoing, all Property shall be paid for and removed by the buyer at his/ her expense within ten (10) days of sale and, if not so removed, may be sold by Freeman’s, or sent by Freeman’s to a third-party storage facility, at the sole risk and charge of the buyer(s), and Freeman’s may prohibit the buyer from participating, directly or indirectly, as a bidder or buyer in any future sale or sales. In addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s by law, Freeman’s reserves the right to impose a late charge of 1.5% per month of the total purchase price on any balance remaining ten (10) days after the day of sale. If Property is not removed by the buyer within ten (10) days, a handling charge of 2% of the total purchase price per month from the tenth day after the sale until removal by the buyer shall be payable to Freeman’s by the buyer. Freeman’s will not be responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or otherwise responsible for any goods left in Freeman’s possession after ten (10) days. If the foregoing conditions or any applicable provisions of law are not complied with, in addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s and the Consignor (including without limitation the right to hold the buyer(s) liable for the bid price) Freeman’s, at its option, may either cancel the sale, retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the buyer(s), or resell the property. In such event, the buyer(s) shall remain liable for any deficiency in the original purchase price and will also be responsible for all costs, including warehousing, the expense of the ultimate sale, and Freeman’s commission at its regular rates together with all related and incidental charges, including legal fees. Payment is a precondition to removal. Payment shall be by cash, certified check or similar bank draft, or any other method approved by Freeman’s. Checks will not be deemed to constitute payment until cleared. Any exceptions must be made upon Freeman’s written approval of credit prior to sale. In addition, a defaulting buyer will be deemed to have granted and assigned to Freeman’s, a continuing security interest of first priority in any property or money of, or owing to such buyer in Freeman’ possession, and Freeman’s may retain and apply such property or money as collateral security for the obligations due to Freeman’s. Freeman’s shall have all of the rights accorded a secured party under the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code.

• Buyer's Premium

  • Hammer Price	Premium (%)
    $0	29.00
    $600,000	23.00
    $3,000,000	15.00