- 322
Arshile Gorky
Description
- Arshile Gorky
- Portrait of Elinor Graham (recto); Portrait of John Graham (verso) (double-sided drawing)
inscribed and dated 1933 Portrait of Elinor Graham by Archile Gorky, made in Graham's studio in my presence - GRAHAM; inscribed Portrait of Graham by Gorky in 1933 in Graham's studio on the reverse
- pencil on paper; a double-sided work
- 19 1/2 by 14 1/8 in.
- 49.3 by 35.8 cm.
Provenance
John and Elinor Graham, 1933
Private Collection, Toronto
David Anderson Gallery, New York
Acquired by the previous owner from the above in 1980
By descent to the present owner
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
"During the 1930s, Arshile Gorky executed a number of linear drawings depicting his friends and patrons. John Graham (born Ivan Dabrowky) became a part of Gorky's artistic circle by 1929, and would write in 1931 that "Stuart Davis, Gorky and myself have formed a group and something original, purely american [sic] is coming out from under our brushes.[1] Elinor Graham (née Gibson), depicted on the recto, was married to Graham from January 9, 1924 - August 3, 1934. "
Melissa Kerr, Managing Director, The Arshile Gorky Foundation
[1] John D. Graham to Duncan Phillips, 28 December 1931, The Phillips Collection Records, 1920–1960, Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC; Reprinted in Matthew Spender, Arshile Gorky, Goats on the Roof: A Life in Letters and Documents (London: Ridinghouse, 2009), p. 66.