Constance Richardson "THE HOUSE IN THE PRAIRIE"

Lot description

Constance Coleman Richardson (American 1905-2002), "The House in the Prairie," 1954/55, oil on canvas board depicting a farm house and corn field seen through the trees, signed and dated at lower left; signed, titled, and dated en verso, framed. Accompanied with exhibition catalogs from Kennedy Galleries and Wildenstein, as well as a 1958 letter from the artist describing two works purchased by the Levitts. Richardson notes that the painting offered in this auction depicts a scene in Maine, the original sketch for which was done in August 1953. Provenance: Collection of Susan Levitt Barkoff, by descent from Dr. Irving Levitt, Detroit and New York. Note: Ahlers & Ogletree is proud to present a selection of works from the collection of Ms. Susan Levitt Barkoff, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Irving Levitt of Michigan and New York. Dr. & Mrs. Levitt's estate was partially sold at Christie's New York with a selection of works descending to their three children. The Levitt's collection included works by Winslow Homer, William Merritt Chase, Theodore Robinson, John Frederick Peto, and others. During their lifetimes, the Levitts were associated with such organizations as the Detroit Institute of Arts, where Dr. Levitt served on the museum's collections committee and as first president of the Institute's "Friends of the American Wing"; and Kennedy Galleries in Manhattan where Dr. Levitt worked in the 1970's. Mrs. Levitt additionally helped develop the Detroit museum's Kresge Court. Works by Richardson have been exhibited at MOMA, the De Young Museum and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Approximate dimensions: sight h. 19", w. 31", overall h. 26.5", w. 38", d. 2".