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Contemporary Visions: Two Distinguished Private Collections including Property from the Estate of Ruth Miles Pite
|
- Sale 6442
Live
| Philadelphia
Apr 15 | 10:00 AM EDT
Live
| Philadelphia
Sale 6442
| Philadelphia
| Philadelphia
Estimate$1,000 – $1,500
Provenance:
Galerie Samuel Lallouz, Montreal.
Gallery Moos Ltd., Toronto.
Eva Cohon Gallery, Chicago.
Lot Note:
Lester F. Johnson was an American painter renowned for his bold and expressive figurative artwork. As a prominent member of the New York School, Johnson was part of the figurative expressionist movement, using the human form as a powerful vehicle for emotional and social commentary. His paintings, often characterized by gestural brushwork and a restrained, somber palette, captured the psychological intensity of urban life.
Johnson’s figures, frequently depicted in groups or as solitary, contemplative subjects, conveyed a sense of raw emotion and existential reflection. His works explored themes of isolation, resilience, and the human condition, offering a poignant response to the post-war social landscape. Throughout his career, Johnson remained committed to the expressive possibilities of the figure, demonstrating its enduring capacity to convey personal and collective experiences. His influential legacy continues through his presence in major museum collections and his contributions as a long-time educator at the Yale University School of Art.
Framed: 62 x 50 inches.
Slight surface soiling apparent throughout. Various paint drips and black marks are apparent – presumably inherent to work. There are occasional abrasions throughout- for example, there are two parallel vertical lines near top left corner, above male figure shoulder. See specialist photos for details. Some craquelure to women’s purple skirt.
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