162
Martha Walter
(American, 1875-1976)
Andalusian
Estimate: $5,000-$8,000
Live Auction
What Do You See? The Collection of Sidney Rothberg, Part III
Location
Philadelphia
Size
28 1/2 x 23 1/2 in. (72.4 x 59.7cm)
Description
Martha Walter
(American, 1875-1976)
Andalusian
oil on canvas
signed Martha Walter (upper left); also signed on stretcher (verso)
28 1/2 x 23 1/2 in. (72.4 x 59.7cm)
The Collection of Sidney Rothberg, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This lot is located in Philadelphia.
Condition
Framed: 36 x 31 x 4 in.The unlined canvas is in overall good condition. There is a line of soft creasing running in a horizontal curve through the sitter's body, with some associated craquelure. There are a few pinpoint spots of loss, for instance in the black near the sitter's neck and at the extreme edge at center right. There appears to be varnish under UV light, with some drips of varnish at bottom right. Additional images available upon request.
Signature
signed Martha Walter (upper left); also signed on stretcher (verso)
Provenance
Provenance:Christie's East, New York, sale of October 1, 1998 lot 167.Acquired directly from the above sale. Exhibition:"Living Philadelphia Artists represented in the Permanent Collection," Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, October 19-November 30, 1956.Lote Essay:Martha Walter stands as one of Philadelphia’s foremost Impressionists, a dynamic and prolific artist whose career spanned nearly a century. Best known for her luminous beach scenes set in Atlantic City, Coney Island, and Gloucester Harbor, she was also an accomplished portraitist, as revealed here.In the present painting, Walter showcases her keen ability to capture the character and presence of her sitter. Here, a formidable Spanish woman gazes out confidently, dressed in traditional Andalusian attire. The strong black accents of the costume lend the composition a striking contrast, recalling the influence of William Merritt Chase, Walter’s mentor at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.