Michael Mazur (American, 1935-2009)
Cage at Stoneham, #15
Signed "Mazur" l.l., titled, dated, and inscribed ".../© 1977 (oil)/..." on the reverse, identified on labels from Robert Miller Gallery, Inc., New York, and Harcus Krakow Gallery, Boston, affixed to the stretcher.
Oil on canvas, 70 x 80 in. (177.8 x 203.2 cm), framed.
Condition: Good.
N.B. Michael Mazur's career was filled with critical acclaim and admiration for his paintings, pastels, monotypes, and prints. In his Stoneham Zoo series, Mazur revisited the themes of confinement and captivity, difficult content which he had expressed so powerfully in the Closed Ward series (1962-62). In a 1993 interview with the Archives of American Art, Mazur said, "I decided to do some work on the monkey cages at Stoneham Zoo, which were very depressed and reminded me of the mental hospital. It was a strange return to the hospital work via the world of animals. Telling the story of captured animals became important." Through this series the artist continued to present the effects of society on the individual, communicated in the expressive brushwork and subdued palette that were his hallmarks.
Estimate $4,000-6,000
The inscription on the reverse reads, "Cage at Stoneham #15/© 1977 (oil)/matte varnish (Damar)"
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.