Nicolai Fechin

Judge Henry Alexander Kiker, New Mexico (acquired directly from the artist in 1931)

Private Collection (by descent from the above)

Private Collection (acquired from the above in 2008)

Bonhams, London, 7 June 2010, lot 71 (consigned by the above)

Private Collection

Sotheby's New York, 12 April 2011, lot 18 (consigned by the above)

Acquired from the above by the present owner

Recognized for his portraits, Nicolai Fechin’s paintings are considered among the most expressive of American modern art. In 1927, four years after immigrating from Russia to the United States, Fechin developed tuberculosis. Heeding to his doctor’s recommendation, he abandoned New York’s humid climate and moved to Taos, New Mexico. There, Fechin produced a multitude of works primarily depicting the local Native Americans and vast desert landscapes.  

Diverging from these usual subjects is this vibrant Portrait of Mary Kiker from 1931. Fechin executed this painting amidst a tumultuous period in his marriage which resulted in his subsequent divorce two years later. During this time, the artist grew rather secluded with the exception of frequent visits to his artist friend, Leon Gaspard. Together, the two reconnected on their shared Russian heritage, a characteristic that’s stylistically present in this portrait. Fechin’s creative brushwork and careful attention to the selection of his palette blend seamlessly in this composition.

The present work portrays nine year old Mary Kiker, step-daughter of Henry Alexander Kiker, the lawyer who helped Fechin finalize his divorce. Fechin gifted the work to Mr. Kiker upon completion, and in 1975, young Mary inherited the work from her step-father.