Friedel Dzubas (American, 1915-1994), “High Pass,” magna (acrylic) on canvas abstract expressionist color field painting. Signed, titled, and dated 1976 on reverse, along with M. Knoedler Gallery label. Narrow wood frame with gold metallic sheathing. 72″ x 72″ (182.9 cm x 182.9 cm). Frame: 73″ x 73″. Exhibited, M. Knoedler & Co., NY, April 9-28, 1977 (no. 3; source: the Dzubas Estate Archives).

Biography: German-born artist Friedel Dzubas studied under Paul Klee in Dusseldorf and at the Prussian Academy of Fine Art before fleeing to England, and ultimately America, in 1939. Once in the U.S., he became the roommate of art critic Clement Greenberg, through whom he became associated with Abstract Expressionists Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, Adolph Gottlieb and Barnett Newman; he also shared a studio with Helen Frankenthaler.

In the 1960s Dzubas began experimenting with color field painting. He abandoned oil paint for Magna acrylic in 1965 when, as art historian Megan Bahr writes, he found he could achieve “with a brevity of gesture the brilliance and luminosity of oil paint applied in thin veils of color. He could thus effect the richness and variation of traditional glazed tones using a more expressive, immediate process.” The Museum of Fine Art, Houston, mounted a retrospective of Dzubas”s work in 1974, as did the Museum of Fine Art, Boston the following year. In 1983, Dzubas was honored with an exhibition at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C. (Sources: Dr. Patricia Lewy, “Friedel Dzubas,” Skira, 2017; Megan Bahr, The Ackland Museum of Art).

PROVENANCE: The Estate of Richard J. Eskind, Nashville.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition. Scattered light inclusion specks and grime to the lower right quadrant, along with a faint drip stain and a few very tiny paint splatters; no restoration visible under UV light.