William Matthews Original "Curry Comb"

Lot description

William Matthews (American, b. 1949) Title: Curry Comb, 2000. Watercolor on paper. Size: 15 1/2 x 12 inches (39.4 x 30.5 cm) Framed: 24 x 20 inches (61 x 50.8 cm). In addition you get the book from Spanierman gallery compiled just for this painting. A finely observed and evocative example of William Matthews’ celebrated Western imagery, Curry Comb captures an intimate moment within the quiet interior of a stable. A lone figure, clad in a red shirt and denim, tends to a horse with understated concentration, the rhythmic act of grooming rendered with remarkable sensitivity and restraint. Matthews’ mastery of watercolor is evident in the fluid handling of pigment, where soft washes and controlled bleeds articulate both the muscular form of the horse and the diffused light filtering through the barn window. The composition is notable for its cropped perspective and emphasis on the animal’s hindquarters, an unconventional yet compelling vantage point that underscores the physicality and quiet dignity of ranch life. Matthews, widely regarded for redefining contemporary Western art, eschews romanticized narratives in favor of authenticity and immediacy, drawing from his own experiences in the American West. The subdued palette—earth tones punctuated by the vivid red of the figure’s shirt—creates a harmonious balance between subject and setting, while the interplay of light and shadow lends the work a cinematic depth. This work is presented in a custom gilt frame and retains labels from Spanierman Gallery, New York, further attesting to its provenance and exhibition history. Condition: The sheet appears in very good condition. Colors remain vibrant with no evident fading; minor surface irregularities consistent with the medium may be present. Framed under mat and glazing. Provenance: Spanierman Gallery, New York, Private collection. From the estate of Moira McCracken, an international equine sales executive based in Georgia. She had a home of beautiful art. She was a lifelong equestrian, maintained a passion for animals. At her passing she owned four horses and six dogs. She was the widow of John McCracken who established IBM in Edinburgh, Scotland.