LOUISE NEVELSON | Great Night Column

The Pace Gallery, Boston
Collection of Mary-Leigh Call Smart, York, Maine (acquired from the above in July 1962)
Thence by descent to the present owner in 2017

This work is in very good and sound condition overall. There is minor evidence of wear and handling along the perimeter and base. There are minor inconsistencies including some small losses throughout, which are inherent to the artist’s chosen medium. As is to be expected in a work of this construction, the work is slightly dusty overall.
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.

Sotheby’s is proud to be offering Great Night Column on behalf of Surf Point Foundation to benefit future programming. Founded through the vision of the Maine art patron Mary-Leigh Call Smart and her dear friend, the artist and professor, Beverly Hallam, Surf Point Foundation's mission is to transform their duplex home and surrounding property into a residency program for artists and arts professionals. After graduating from the Massachusetts College of Art in 1945, Hallam taught at the College from 1949 to 1962, where, during the 1950s she researched and was an early pioneer in the use of Polyvinyl Acetate, more commonly known as “acrylic,” as a painting medium. Among her many students at the Massachusetts College of Art was Arne Glimcher, who founded The Pace Gallery in Boston after graduating in 1960. It was through Hallam and Glimcher’s relationship that Smart was introduced to the gallerist. Two years after founding the gallery, Glimcher sold Smart the present work. Nevelson later remarked, “when I fell in love with black, it contained all color. It wasn’t a negation of color. It was an acceptance. Because black encompasses all colors. Black is the most aristocratic color of all...You can be quiet and it contains the whole thing. There is no color that will give you the feeling of totality. Of peace. Of greatness. Of quietness. Of excitement. I have seen things that were transformed into black, that took on just greatness. I don’t know a lesser word” (the artist quoted in Diana MacKown, Dawns & Dusks, New York 1976, p. 126).