Alma Thomas

Collection of Harold Hart, New York (acquired directly from the artist)
Acquired from the above by the present owner

This work is in very good condition overall. The edges of the canvas are taped. There is very light evidence of handling along the edges, most notably a 1-inch horizontal dark abrasion at the lower right corner. The colors are bright, fresh and clean. A pinpoint media accretion from the time of execution is visible at the right edge, approximately 6-inches from the bottom. Under Ultraviolet light inspection a ¼-inch drip in the center right area fluoresces lightly but is not the result of restoration. Framed.
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 her paintings, the rainbows do not appear as arcs, but rather as leaves or petals of varying shapes that fall into parallel flower rivers of color, rippling in response to the wind or reflecting brilliantly in the sunshine. In looking out of the window of her home on Fifteenth Street in the Shaw district of Washington. D.C., Thomas transfigured the view into bird's eye, abstracting the cityscape into patterns, as if she were seeing it from an airplane. In explaining that visual perspective, she noted, 'You look down on things. You streak through the clouds so fast you don't know whether the flower below is violet or what. You see only streaks of color.'"

Nikki A. Greene, "'Wind, Sunshine and Flowers:' The Visual Cadences of Alma Thomas' Washington, D.C.," in Exh. Cat., New York, The Studio Museum in Harlem (and traveling), Alma Thomas, 2016, p. 53