Philip Perkins (Tennessee, 1907-1970) oil on canvas abstract cubist painting titled "Mystery of the Vernal Equinox." The surrealist-influenced work features colorful geometric forms converging as if in motion around three irregular prisms set in a glowing center. Signed lower right and dated 1945. Plain black frame with white mat. Dimensions – 23" H x 34 3/8" W. Framed – 26 3/4" H x 37 7/8" 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, where this work was likely painted, 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) but went back to Europe for several more years before returning to Nashville in 1961.

PROVENANCE: The collection of Earl S. and Suzanne D. Swensson, Nashville, TN.

CONDITION: Overall good condition, professionally conserved and lined. Two faint vertical lines visible surface in upper and lower left and right quadrants. UV light reveals scattered touch ups in all quadrants, and a repaired 1 1/2' horizontal tear to lower center (in the middle of the red-tinged shape). Frame in good overall condition with two faint dark vertical horizontal lines to lower mat.