Lot 420: Philip Perkins abstract O/C, “Wind of the Dog Star”

Philip Perkins (American/Tennessee, 1907-1970), “Wind of the Dog Star,” oil on canvas abstract painting featuring intersecting curvilinear forms in gradient shades of green, purple and orange, accented by two white orbs. Signed lower right “Perkins” and dated 1953. Titled en verso. Housed in a wormy chestnut style frame. Sight: 35 in. H x 25 1/2 in. W. Frame: 37 in. H x 27 1/2 in. W. Biography: Philip Perkins received critical acclaim for his geometric, cubist-influenced work of the 1940s and his abstract expressionism in the 1950s. He was born in Waverly, Tennessee and studied at Vanderbilt University and the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1932 he moved to Paris, France, where he studied under Jean Marchaud, Louis Marcoussis, and Fernand Leger. In 1934 he exhibited at the Salon D’Automne and the Salon de Tuileries. In 1940 he moved to New York City, and in 1947 he participated in the International Surrealist Exhibition. He spent seven years teaching art at the University of Tennessee in Nashville (1948-1955), during which time this work was painted, but went back to Europe for several more years before returning to Nashville in 1961.

PROVENANCE: By descent from the estate of Eugenia Moore, Nashville. Mrs. Moore was a longtime arts supporter in Nashville and a close friend and early patron of Philip Perkins. 

CONDITION: Overall good condition. A couple of scattered spots of possible retouch to lower quarter of canvas, and a fine vertical scratch near left lower edge. Wear to frame.