Lot 1317: Thomas Zvi Wilson Abstract O/C, Time of Singing is Come

Thomas Zvi Wilson (American/Kansas, 1932-2012) oil on canvas abstract painting titled “The Time of Singing is Come / Song of Songs 2/12.” Signed lower right and dated 1963. A note en verso states “This painting has been executed as pure visual poetry to contain letters which form, in the artist’s opinion, one of the most beautiful passages in the literature of mankind. The words are to be found in [the Old Testament Bible,] Song of Songs 2:12, ‘The Flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.” Also en verso is a note stating this painting was a gift to the Vanderbilt University Museum of Art through the Bodley Gallery of New York. Float mounted in a narrow black frame. Sight: 19 7/8 in. H x 23 5/8 in. W. Framed: 22 in. H x 26 in. W. Biography: Thomas Zvi Wilson studied at the University of Missouri Kansas City and at the University of Arkansas. As a sculptor and painter he exhibited at the Miami Museum of Modern Art, Peabody Essex Museum, Georgia Museum of Art, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, and Rockhurst University, and had nine one-man exhibits in New York City. In his later career he was best known as a writer, poet and active member of Kansas City’s literary community. 

PROVENANCE: Deaccessioned by the Vanderbilt University Museum of Art to benefit the acquisitions fund.

CONDITION: Some grime and light spatter stain upper right quadrant; a few spots of fine craquelure.