Cady Wells 1904-1954

San Francisco, California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Cady Wells, 1953

Sheet is laid down on board. Very slight surface dirt.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Born in Massachusetts to a wealthy family, Wells decided to live in the American Southwest and work as an artist when he was a young man.  He studied art in Santa Fe with Andrew Dasburg in the early 1930s.  Other strong artistic influences were Georgia O'Keefe and Raymond Jonson, as well as Japanese brush painting, which he studied briefly while on a tour of Asia.
Together with his brother Mason, Wells purchased an old adobe home in Jacona, New Mexico, which they lovingly and carefully restored over time.  He collected the art of the area and, in fact, donated his collection of Spanish Colonial art to the Museum of New Mexico.  He was known as an active and generous benefactor in his New Mexico community, known for his donations to needy families and his sponsorship of supplies and scholarships for struggling artists.