Description:

Leonard Theobald Flettrich (American/New Orleans, 1916-1970), "Dancer Putting on Lipstick", oil on canvas, signed lower left, 43 in. x 26 in., original artist-made cypress frame. Note: Notable New Orleans artist Leonard Flettrich painted both representational and abstract works throughout his career. Having studied with Paul Ninas at the Arts and Crafts Club School and showing his paintings alongside John McCrady at the Downtown Gallery, parallels can be seen between the works of Flettrich and his contemporaries. In the current lot, the stylization of the figure is reminiscent of McCrady’s work, while the flat, abstracted background calls to mind Ninas’ aesthetic. However, Flettrich brings to life the young dancer caught in a commonplace task, reapplying lipstick during a break. Bonnie Crone writes, “Art for Flettrich was a very personal thing – a medium to express emotion and truth.” This portrait of a dancer, depicting a brief moment in time, achieves that goal by capturing the fleeting expression on the woman’s face. Flettrich enjoyed a productive career in New Orleans, exhibiting locally and nationally, while also teaching at the Arts and Crafts Club, Tulane University’s School of Architecture, and the New Orleans Academy of Art. His work has been exhibited at the Louisiana State Museum and is included in the collection of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The model in this painting is believed to be Mary Lee Aucoin, who often posed for artists at Newcomb College, and often modeled for Flettrich in his French Quarter studio. The frame on this painting is of note, as it was likely made by either Flettrich, Carl Durel, or John Clemmer for the Gresham Gallery, which was owned by local art dealer and interior designer, Charlie Gresham.

  • 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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April 22, 2017 10:00 AM CDT
New Orleans, LA, US

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$3,000 $9,999 $250
$10,000 $49,999 $500
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