Lester F. Johnson

(American, 1919-2010)

People Walking, Blue Background, 1988

oil on canvas

signed Lester Johnson and dated (lower right); titled (stretcher, verso)

60 x 47 3/4 inches.

Property from a Distinguished Private Collection, Michigan

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.

People Walking, Blue Background, 1988