1893 - 1965
American
Beach Birds
mixed media on paper
signed and dated 1953 and on verso titled, dated on the gallery labels and inscribed "758B-25"
17 x 22 in, 43.2 x 55.9 cm
Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000 CAD
Sold for: $31,250
Preview at: Heffel Montreal
PROVENANCE
Donald Morris Gallery, Detroit, 1969
Marianne Friedland Gallery, Toronto, January 10, 1969
Collection of James and Elizabeth Eayrs, Toronto
Beach Birds challenges our perception in several intriguing ways. While clearly painted, the distinctively outlined birds are also reminiscent of Milton Avery’s skill as a printmaker. These bird forms are set on what we understand is a sand beach, but typically for Avery, they are not integrated naturalistically into the scene but instead sit against a flat and uniformly inflected plane. This support also appears as a middle band of subtle colour and texture sandwiched between two others. The stripes alternate in our vision, reading as sea, beach and sky as we move from bottom to top, but equally as three abstract zones on which the birds have alighted. Again, Avery provides a simple and stunningly subtle meditation on nature. In turn, we cannot help but take pleasure in what he so evidently appreciates deeply.
We thank the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation for confirming their positive opinion of this work. A document from the foundation will accompany this lot.
Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000 CAD
All prices are in Canadian Dollars
Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information posted, errors and omissions may occur. All bids are subject to our
Terms and Conditions of Business. Bidders must ensure they have satisfied themselves with the
condition of the Lot prior to bidding. Condition reports are available upon request.