Alfred Henry Maurer

Mr. and Mrs. Hudson Walker, New York
Babcock Galleries, New York, 1967
Private Collection, New Hampshire

University Gallery, University of Minnesota, 1952, (on extended loan)

Surface in generally in good condition. Paper is laid down on backing board. In addition to our condition report, the following condition report has been added by Alvarez Fine Art Services, Inc. (10/1/14), an outside, independent restorer: Overall this oil on paper is in good condition and does not present tears, paper losses, or planar distortions. The paper is totally glued down to 1/8" acidic grey board . There is one approximately 2" long surface scratch near bottom right edge. Visually, the paper is mildly oxidized throughout from contact with acidic material and a natural process of aging due to UV light exposure. Otherwise the oil pigment appears rich and undisturbed.
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.

Through his exposure to the French Modernists Henri Matisse and Paul Cezanne, at the Paris salon of his friends Leo and Gertrude Stein, Alfred Maurer’s work became increasingly abstracted at the turn of the century, exhibiting a type of Fauvism understood through the Post-Impressionist master’s expressive brushwork and use of color planes to extract the essence of subject.  Landscape is based in Maurer’s first hand observation of his subject, likely amongst the vineyards of the Champagne region of France, but in its geometric rhythms of vibrant colors is intended to convey his personal reaction to his surroundings.
Hudson Walker, the grandson of Minnesota businessman and founder of the Walker Art Center, T.B. Watson, served as the first curator at the Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota before he established a commercial art gallery in New York.  During the 1950s Walker placed art from his private collection on loan at the University of Minnesota, including works by Alfred Maurer and Marsden Hartley.