Description:

Ida Rittenberg Kohlmeyer (American/New Orleans, 1912-1997), "Study: Girl with Flower", 1956, oil on masonite, signed lower right, titled on reverse of frame, 48 in. x 29 1/4 in., original frame. Note: Dissatisfied with what she called a “vapid, dilettante life,” Ida Kohlmeyer first joined the John McCrady Art School in 1947, and then began classes at Newcomb College under Pat Trivigno in 1950. Completing her Master’s Thesis in 1956, which included an introductory essay and a “Series of Paintings Concerning the Mood of Aloneness in Children,” Kohlmeyer worked directly from models, attempting to capture the particular mood of the children she was painting, particularly a sense of introspection. As one of these early works, “Study: Girl with Flower” clearly indicates the path Kohlmeyer would follow from representational to abstraction, as well as the development of a specific palette that would remain in her oeuvre throughout her career. Kohlmeyer writes, “Color, as a factor, became increasingly more challenging. In the early pieces, I used restrained color, with limited palettes. I found as I continued, I could use intense colors without destroying the mood if I kept them low in value.” In the current lot, the intense turquoise and burnt orange colors are a clear precursor to Kohlmeyer’s later works. The stillness and contemplation of the young girl in this piece, particularly when surrounded by such a vibrant background, serves to highlight the mood that Kohlmeyer was trying to capture. This balance between figure and background, quietude and movement, and juxtaposition of color, are themes Kohlmeyer would continue to explore throughout her career. Ref.: Kohlmeyer, Ida. Introductory Essay for a Series of Paintings Concerning the Mood of Aloneness in Children. Tulane University Masters of Fine Arts Thesis, 1956. Engeran, Whitney J. “Reflections on Lyrical Power: A Kohlmeyer Study.” Ida Kohlmeyer: Thirty Years. Charlotte, NC: Mint Museum, 1983. Plante, Michael. Ida Kohlmeyer. New Orleans: Newcomb Art Gallery, 2004. Neal Auction Company would like to thank Jane Lowentritt for her assistance with this note.

  • Condition: All lots are sold “As is” and “Where is”. Neal Auction provides condition reports on items with a low estimate over $500 as a courtesy to aid in your bidding decision. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalogue or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. Completed condition reports are posted as an additional image with the lot. Neal Auction does not give refunds.

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September 9, 2017 10:00 AM CDT
New Orleans, LA, US

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$3,000 $9,999 $250
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