(1899-1988) stands as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. She is renowned for her . However, Nevelson worked and experimented for nearly 30 years before arriving at her signature style in the late 1950's.
In recent years there has been an increase in scholarship, awareness, and collector interest in Nevelson's early work. This drawing is a fine example from this period.
After Nevelson divorced in 1931, she was finally liberated to devote herself to art-making. She studied at the Art Students League in New York and made several influential trips to Europe where she began studying with Hans Hoffmann. Back in New York, she worked briefly for the Works Progress Administration, where she met Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and befriended other "downtown" New York artists, eager to assimilate into the "scene".
While Nevelson had a long exhibition history, it was only in the 1950s that she got a foothold in significant galleries. For most of Nevelson's adult life, selling art was a struggle.
This unique and elegant line drawing reveals a distinct expression of modernism. The influence of Matisse, in particular, is evident. The seated figure's lines are bold and stylized, almost sculptural.
Increasing scholarly and market attention has been placed on Nevelson's early work. For example which explored Nevelson's prints and drawings from the first three decades of her career.
.
or call . Visit our Toronto gallery on .
USA, circa 1934
Signed and dated by the artist in the upper left corner
Ink on paper
19"H 12"W (work)
23.25"H 16.25"W (framed)
Very good condition
Provenance: The Pace Gallery, Columbus
