Description:

Will Henry Stevens (American/Louisiana, 1881-1949), "Flight", 1945, oil on board, signed and dated lower right, signed and illegibly inscribed en verso, "Robert M. Hicklin, Jr." and 2 "The Charleston Renaissance Gallery" labels with artist, title and date on backing board, handwritten label with artist and inscribed "#045 - Hicklin" on reverse of frame, 25 7/8 in. x 30 in., framed, overall 35 1/2 in. x 39 3/4 in. x 1 3/8 in. Provenance: The Charleston Renaissance Gallery, Charleston, SC. Note: Will Henry Stevens was a pioneer of Modernism in the South who worked simultaneously in both abstract and representational styles. Stevens came to New Orleans in 1921 to teach at Newcomb College, a position he held until the year prior to his death. Stevens became part of the active and exciting art circle centered around the French Quarter. Prior to and during his tenure in New Orleans, he also worked in and visited New York, where he was exposed to current international developments in artistic styles. During a trip to New York in the 1930s, Stevens was greatly influenced by many art forms, including Sung Dynasty paintings, Taoism, the poetry of Emerson, Thoreau and Whitman, and modernist painters such as Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee. Both artists had a strong influence on Stevens’ aesthetic. “Flight” from 1945 offered here is a paradigmatic example of the artist’s talent. The magnitude and depth of the dynamic composition, penetrating color palette and large scale combine to create a rare masterwork in the artist’s oeuvre. Stevens’ mature abstract works are his most sought-after, and one of this caliber is rarely seen at auction. Ref.: Gruber, Richard J. "Will Henry Stevens." 64 Parishes. www.64parishes.org. Accessed Jan. 6, 2023.

  • Condition: If Condition is NOT stated in the description of the lot, the absence of a condition report does not indicate the lot is free of damage or condition issues. Available Condition Reports will appear as an additional image. Condition Reports and photographs may be requested on items until the Wednesday prior to the auction. Bid accordingly. All sales are final, no returns are accepted on the basis of condition.

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February 3, 2023 11:00 AM CST
New Orleans, LA, US

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$100 $499 $25
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$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
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