Beauford Delaney (African American, 1901-1979) Abstraction

Description:

Beauford Delaney (African American, 1901-1979)

Abstraction
Signed and dated "Beauford Delaney 1969" l.r., identified on a label from Galerie
Darthea Speyer, Paris, affixed to the backing.
Gouache on paper, sight size 25 3/4 x 19 1/2 in. (65.4 x 49.5 cm),framed.
Condition: Not examined out of frame.

N.B. While Beauford Delaney is known today as a Harlem Renaissance artist and African American expatriate, he began his artistic training in Boston. Between 1923 and 1929, he attended the Massachusetts Normal Art School (now Massachusetts College of Art and Design),Copley Society, and the South Boston School of Art. (1) From 1929 to 1953, Delaney worked in New York where he met the beacons of the Harlem Renaissance movement such as W.E. B. DuBois, Louis Armstrong, and James Baldwin. Amidst the growing racial tensions and McCarthyism of the early 1950s, Paris began to look attractive to Delaney, and in 1953, he moved to Montparnasse where he settled permanently.

The present work was created a year after Darthea Speyer opened her gallery on rue Jacques Callot in Paris. As a cultural attaché for the United States Information Services, she organized a show of American artists at the Musee National D'Art Moderne in 1953, which laid the groundwork for the acceptance of American Post War art and expatriate artists in Paris. (2)

(1) Aberjhani, and Sandra L. West. 2003. Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance. New York: Facts On File, Inc., p. 84.
(2) Galerie Darthea Speyer records, 1953-2010. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.. http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/galerie-darthea-speyer-records-15860/more
Estimate $5,000-7,000

Sheet size is 27-9/16 x 22-1/16 inches (70.0 x 56.0 cm). Sheet affixed to window mat with brown paper tape along the top edge of the reverse. Reverse inscribed in pencil in French with what appears to be notes regarding framing.

Scattered areas of craquelure with flaking and paint losses, located primarily in the upper center of the composition, the largest area spanning 3/4 in. high and 1/2 in. wide, another measuring 1/2 in. diameter, the rest smaller. There are about 4 or 5 of these areas overall. Unpressed crease to the l.l. corner, which can be seen in raking light. Tack holes to both lower corners, with a small tear and 1/8 in. diameter hole also in the l.r. corner. Handling creases as well as scattered minor stains visible on the reverse. Subtle rippling.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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