Details

Provenance

The Charles Rand Penney Collection, Lockport, New York Zabriskie Gallery, New York Hollis Taggart Galleries, New York Acquired by the present owner from the above, 2010

Exhibited

Buffalo, New York, Burchfield Penney Art Center, Burchfield in Context , November 1998-February 1999 Condition The sheet is hinged at the reverse upper corners and appears slightly toned. The blue pigments may be very slightly faded and there are artist's notes on the reverse. In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE. Catalogue Note Executed in 1924, Venus is part of a series of watercolors that Oscar Bluemner produced following his move to Elizabeth, New Jersey. In his description of works on paper from this series, which he called “paintings,” Bluemner stated: “While of America I have seen many men’s towns, and know their minds’—to use Homer’s words—I do not mean to state the physical aspects of what I see or as I see it…Art is a matter of emotion. Has the painter ‘something’ to say? Is it Painting?’” (as quoted in Paintings of Mr. Oscar Bluemner, New York, 1924, n.p.).

Catalog summary

Oscar Bluemner Venus signed with the artist's conjoined initials OFB (lower left); also signed again, dated Eliz Nov 13-24 and inscribed 65 W (along the left edge) watercolor and pencil on paper 5 by 6 3/4 inches (12.7 by 17.1 cm) Provenance The Charles Rand Penney Collection, Lockport, New York Zabriskie Gallery, New York Hollis Taggart Galleries, New York Acquired by the present owner from the above, 2010 Exhibited Buffalo, New York, Burchfield Penney Art Center, Burchfield in Context , November 1998-February 1999 Condition The sheet is hinged at the reverse upper corners and appears slightly toned. The blue pigments may be very slightly faded and there are artist's notes on the reverse. In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE. Catalogue Note Executed in 1924, Venus is part of a series of watercolors that Oscar Bluemner produced following his move to Elizabeth, New Jersey. In his of works on paper from this series, which he called “paintings,” Bluemner stated: “While of America I have seen many men’s towns, and know their minds’—to use Homer’s words—I do not mean to state the physical aspects of what I see or as I see it…Art is a matter of emotion. Has the painter ‘something’ to say? Is it Painting?’” (as quoted in Paintings of Mr. Oscar Bluemner, New York, 1924, n.p.).