Lot 121: Walt Kuhn O/B Portrait of Elizabeth Bliss Parkinson

Walter Francis Kuhn (American, 1877-1949), “Mrs. Elizabeth B. Parkinson, 1944,” oil on board painting depicting a woman with short dark hair and bright red rouge and lipstick. The bust-length portrait highlights the straps and bodice of her lacy black dress, pearl choker necklace and bare arms, while her neck and hollows of her cheeks are portrayed in shadows before an indistinct gray background. Signed center right, “Walt Kuhn” and dated 1944. Titled and dated en verso along with two Walt Kuhn Gallery, Cape Neddick, Maine labels, additional Christie’s Auction labels, and several numerical inscriptions. Wide molded giltwood frame. Board 21 in H x 15 in W. Frame: 27 in H x 21 in W. Note: This painting is #456 in the Walt Kuhn catalog raisonne, “Walt Kuhn, Painter: His Life and Work” by Philip Rhys Adams (Ohio State Univ. Press, , 1978, see p. 272), which states that it was exhibited at the CSFAC Traveling Show, 1947, No. 21, illus p. 5. Elizabeth Bliss Parkinson (1907-2001) was an art collector and patron from New York City. She was a trustee of the Museum of Modern Art for the majority of her life.

PROVENANCE: The Entrekin Family Trust, estates of Jane and Ervin Entrekin, Nashville, ex-Christie’s Auction, lot 345, Dec. 2, 1988. 

CONDITION: Overall excellent condition. UV light inspection reveals a couple of small minor spots of retouch to background and to two very tiny flakes to chin area.