Christie’s NOVEMBER 30, 2011
CHARLES DEMUTH | In the Key of Blue
Estimate: $1,800,000-2,400,000
Painted circa 1919-1920, In the Key
of Blue was part of a new series of paintings that Charles Demuth had
executed in tempera, all of which were much larger in scale than his previous
watercolors. In the Key of Blue is a tour-de-force that
demonstrates Charles Demuth at the height of his abilities. Here Demuth
depicts buildings in a landscape set against planes of subtly modulated color
in a composition that is simultaneously refined and dynamic. Most likely
influenced by John Addington Symons’ 1893 essay on aesthetics, it is a dynamic
Precisionist composition and meditation on light, form and color. Demuth
juxtaposes the strong outlines of the planar forms with the softness of the
tempera medium to create depth and suggest the effects of light on the
scene. The influence of Cezanne is evident in the areas of exposed board,
which Demuth has deliberately left bare and incorporated into the composition
to add further texture and complexity. Executed circa 1920, In the Key
of Blue is an important and rare tempera that is a direct precursor of
masterworks such as My Egypt (1927, Whitney Museum of American Art, New
York).
Sotheby's April 16, 2014
Christie's 2007
More Christie's
Bonhams
Charles Demuth (American, 1883-1935)
Fish Series, Number Eight, 1917
9 7/8 x 7 7/8in
Sotheby's April 16, 2014
CHARLES DEMUTH
RESTING ON THE BEACH
LOT SOLD. 9,375 USD
Sotheby’s May 21 2014
CHARLES DEMUTH
TREES AND HOUSES (PROVINCETOWN)
Estimate 80,000 — 120,000
Christie’s 2013
Christie’s
2012
Christie’s
2011
Pink Lilies and Butterflies
PRICE REALIZED
$290,500
Christie's 2008
Christie's 2006
Tumblers
PRICE REALIZED
$542,500
Rooftops, Provincetown
PRICE REALIZED
$481,000
In Vaudeville: Two Dancers
PRICE REALIZED
$315,750
Man in Blazer
PRICE REALIZED
$28,750
Bonhams
Charles Demuth (American, 1883-1935)
Fish Series, Number Eight, 1917
9 7/8 x 7 7/8in
US$ 20,000 - 30,000
Charles Demuth (American, 1883-1935)
River Landscape: Ruins
8 1/2 x 10in
River Landscape: Ruins
8 1/2 x 10in
US$ 15,000 - 25,000
