Paul Evans

Acquired directly from the artist by a private collector, 1969
Sotheby's New York, June 8, 2005, lot 100

David Rago and John Sollo, Collecting Modern, Layton, UT, 2001, pp. 93-95 (for related works executed in the "Sculpted Front" motif)
Todd Merrill and Julie V. Iovine, eds., Modern Americana: Studio Furniture from High Craft to High Glam, New York, 2008, front and back covers, pp. 98-99 (for related works executed in the "Sculpted Front" motif)
Jeffrey Head, Paul Evans:  Designer & Sculptor, Atglen, PA, 2012. p. 36 (for a related work)

Overall very good original condition. This cabinet displays extraordinary original saturated coloration and deeply sculptural details throughout the front surfaces of the doors. The palette of the sculptural elements range from reds and purples to vivid yellows and golds. A highly artistic and dynamic example of Evans’ “Sculpture Front” showing a superb range of decorative elements. The base of this cabinet was commissioned by the original owner from Paul Evans. The front leg of the base with a slight bend that appears the result of age. The edges of the case are covered with overlapping patinated and lacquered panels that show a few shallow surface scratches and some minor lifting inherent in the design. The reverse of the cabinet is painted. The cabinet is designed as free standing, however, Sotheby’s would recommend affixing the piece to the wall considering the weight of the front two doors. There are holes drilled into the back of the wooden case, which were made by the artist for this purpose. This is a unique masterwork by Paul Evans and displays the highest level of quality and execution rarely seen on the auction market. This work epitomizes the scale, color and intricate decorative elements that the artist sought to achieve in his designs and shows the best features of his creative vision and craftsmanship. Please note this piece is of considerable weight. Please contact the department or post sale services for assistance in the transport of this work. The doors are removable from the frame for shipment of the cabinet.
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.

IN CONTEXT:
Paul wanted to spend most of his day drawing on onion skin.  That was really his day in the office, spent drawing.  He was constantly doing sketches.  There must have been hundreds of them all over the place. 

That is how most of these pieces evolved.  He had a roll of onion skin and he had a fine point ink pen. He would come to me with the drawing and talk to me about the piece.  "Come back to me when you have something."  Then we would discuss again.  "Yes, that’s it" or "let's change that." Each new piece evolved in the same process.

To me the "Sculpture Front" is the signature piece by Paul Evans.  We would go through periods where we would be focused on Sculpture Front.  Then we would move to groups of sculpture, other pieces.  But we always came back to the "Sculpture Front". 

Paul began this series by laying out the panels.  Each one of the decorations in those square each had a name:  Stalagmites, Boxes, Forgings, brass, etc.  Once he marked them, we would execute his vision. Coloration was the last thing to happen.  Often the client selected the colors.  When we finished the panel, Paul would have a final look.  If he didn’t like an element we would take it out.  Then I fabricated a hinge.  They would hold anything we would ever want to put on them.

This was the first and only time I have seen the cabinet on this base.  It was a chair base - three legs with a curved seat.  The chair was likely in the saleroom and the client did not want to hang the cabinet on the wall, so we made the base especially for this particular cabinet.
—Dorsey Reading