- 125
Lee Krasner
Description
- Lee Krasner
- Sun Woman I
- signed
- oil on canvas
- 97 1/4 by 70 1/4 in. 247 by 178.4 cm.
- Executed in 1957.
Provenance
Martha Jackson Gallery, New York
The Pace Gallery, New York
Robert Miller Gallery, New York
PaineWebber Group, Inc., New York
Robert Miller Gallery, New York
Jason McCoy Inc., New York
Acquired by the present owner from the above in March 1986
Exhibited
Houston, Janie C. Lee Gallery, Lee Krasner: Works on Paper 1938 - 1977, September - October 1978, n.p., illustrated
Houston, Janie C. Lee Gallery, Lee Krasner: Works on Paper 1956 - 1971, February - March 1981, no. 4, illustrated
New York, Robert Miller Gallery, Lee Krasner: Paintings from the Late Fifties, October - November 1982, illustrated on the cover in color
Houston, The Museum of Fine Arts; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; New York, Museum of Modern Art, Lee Krasner: A Restrospective, November 1983 - February 1985, fig. 100, pp. 103 and 108, illustrated
Literature
Marlene Sanders, "Krasner Radiant," Working Woman, November 1982, p. 224
Barbara Gallati, "Lee Krasner," Arts Magazine, February 1983, p. 33
Susie Kalil, "Lee Krasner," Artweek, December 10, 1983, pp. 1 and 20, illustrated
Michael Kohn, "Lee Krasner: Paintings from the Fifties," Flash Art, January 1983, p. 62, illustrated
Richard Pearson, "Lee Krasner, Abstract Expressionist Dies," Washington Post, June 21, 1984, p. C5
Michael Cannell, "An Interview with Lee Krasner," Arts Magazine, September 1984, p. 89, illustrated
Ray Matthew, "Lee Krasner: A Record on Canvas," Art/World, January - February 1985, pp. 1-2
Robert Hobbs, Lee Krasner, New York, 1993, fig. 2, pp. 8 and 67, illustrated in color
Ellen G. Landau, Lee Krasner: A Catalogue Raisonné, New York, 1995, p. 164, no. 312, illustrated in color
Condition
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.
Catalogue Note
In Sun Woman I, painted in 1957, the harsh, crude compositions of Krasner's earlier 1950's works soften and transform into a vibrant image of female fecundity. Having admired the voluptuous curves of the paleolithic Venus of Willendorf it is as though Krasner aimed to evoke the primitive sexuality of prehistoric female fertitlity figures.
Exemplifying a transformative moment in the artist's sensibilty, Sun Woman I is rich with lush symbolism evoking female virility. The rich, vibrant colors nod to continued growth and production. The women's bulbous outlined forms, supple breasts and radiant lips further denote their inherent sexuality marking a metamorphosis not only in the cycle of life but in the projection of her career.