Lot 172: John Alberts O/C Portrait of Woman in Striped Dress, Kentucky Interest

John Bernard Alberts, Jr. (Kentucky, 1886-1931) oil on canvas portrait of a woman who wears a striped dress and sits with waist and head turned as if in conversation. One arm rests on a chair, and a dark floral wallpaper forms the background. Unsigned. Housed in a giltwood frame with carved rocaille corners and dark finish. Sight: 37" H x 25" W . Frame: 47" H x 35" W. Biography: Louisville-born John Alberts attended the Cincinnati Art Academy where he was mentored by Frank Duvenek, then the Boston Academy of Fine Arts where he studied with Edmund Tarbell and Frank Benson. He also spent a year in Europe and was heavily influenced by 16th century Dutch artists. Back in Kentucky, Alberts shared a studio with Paul Plaschke and became a sought after painter of portraits and designer of stained glass windows. However, he became ill during his army service in World War I and was left bedridden until his death at age 45. His extant works are rare; some can be found in the collections of the Filson Historical Society and the Greenville County SC Museum of Art. (Sources: The Courier Journal Aug. 25, 1931 (Alberts' obituary); The Johnson Collection).

PROVENANCE: By descent in the family of the artist.

CONDITION: 3" area of tearing with paint loss, lower left, at subject's wrist. 1" scratch with paint loss and a 3/4" dent upper left. 5" scratch, lower right quadrant. Stretcher marks. Other scattered, small losses, flakes, and abrasions. Wear to frame; screw protruding at top center.