Anne Redpath, R.S.A., A.R.A. 1895-1965

Edinburgh, Aitken Dott & Son

Edinburgh, Aitken Dott & Son, Summer Exhibition, 1978,  no. 106

STRUCTURE This picture is in excellent original condition with strong colours throughout. The board is flat and the paint surface is stable with no signs of craquelure. The picture is clean and ready to hang. UNDER ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT There are no signs of retouching. FRAME Contained in a simple modern frame and under glass.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Blue Cornflowers dates from the early 1960s when Redpath found her mature style, which Terence Mullaly described thus in the introduction to the Redpath memorial exhibition; 'She was capable in the same picture of being controlled and voluptuous. Her handling of paint is never timid. Indeed, her use of impasto is often impassioned. It is hard to think of many other artists of her time from whose actual handling of paint so much sensuous pleasure is to be derived. I mean design with firmness and, at the same time, touch the heart in ways that have nothing to do with the intellect.'

This particular colour blue was particularly favourite for Redpath  and appears in many works of this period against bold dark backgrounds, such as White Tulips of c.1963 and Still Life of White Flowers.