WALT KUHN
(American, 1877-1949)
AT THE DRESSING TABLE
Oil on Canvas
28 x 30 Inches
Signed Lower Left and Dated ‘1914’

This important American Modernist was born in Brooklyn and first studied at the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. From 1901 to 1903, he furthered his studies in Europe, first at the Académie Colarossi in Paris and later at the Royal Academy in Munich. After his return to New York in 1904, he continued his studies at the Artist’s Sketch Class and taught at the New York School of Art. In 1905, he returned to exhibit in Munich and was awarded a silver medal. Kuhn was closely associated with "The Eight" and, with Arthur B. Davies, was a key figure in forming the American Association of Painters and Sculptors. Kuhn served as executive secretary of the Association and traveled abroad with Davies to select entries for the groundbreaking Armory Show of 1913. This process of observation honed Kuhn's critical abilities and proved invaluable in the distillation of his own artistic style. Kuhn’s importance in the development of Modernism in the United States cannot be overestimated. In addition to his own place as an artist in the forefront of 20th century American painting and his groundbreaking contribution in bringing the Armory Show to New York, Kuhn provided advice and guidance to Lillie P. Bliss, whose collection formed the nucleus of New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The lyrical work that we are offering dates from the year after the Armory Show and illustrates Kuhn’s thorough absorption of the principles of Modernism, allied with bravura brushwork and a dramatic sense of composition. Walt Kuhn’s work is highly sought after at auction and his paintings are held in the permanent collections of important art museums throughout the United States, including the Museum of Modern Art, New York City; the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City; the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York City; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and the Art Institute of Chicago, among others.

Reference:

Benezit, Dictionnaire des Peintres, Vol. VIII, p.74; 300 Years of American Art, Zellman, Vol. II, p.739; Who Was Who in American Art, Falk, Vol. II, p.1914; Artists in California 1786-1940, Hughes, Vol. I, p.647; Dictionary of Contemporary American Artists, Cummings, p.290; Dictionary of American Painters, Sculptors and Engravers, Mantle Fielding, p.535; Mallett’s Index of Artists, p.238; Davenport’s Art Reference Guide, 2003/4 Edition, p.1190; et al.