Lot 812: Meyer Wolfe O/C Painting, Tunisian Bride, Exhibited

Meyer R. Wolfe (Tennessee/New York, 1897-1985) oil on canvas portrait depicting a Tunisian woman seated with her hands in her lap. She wears colorful robes and headscarf, a prominent bead and coin necklace, and large gold earrings. Light from an unseen window illuminates the right side of the subject’s face while the left side remains in shadow against an indistinct blue and green wall background. Signed “Meyer R. Wolfe” lower right corner. Stepped wooden frame with painted sight edge. Label en verso of frame for framer Edouard Lahaise, Paris. Sight: 31 in H x 25 in W. Frame: 36 1/2 in H x 20 1/2 in W. Exhibited, “Meyer Wolfe: The Star of All Things,” The Nashville Parthenon, Feb. 5-June 6, 2021, with the title “Tunisian Bride”(Arab Girl in Wedding Dress, 1927),” and in his 1928 exhibition at the Carnegie Library in Nashville on Capitol Hill, organized by Alfred Starr. Note: “In early winter 1927, Wolfe sailed across the Mediterranean [from France] in third class to Kairoceau. This ancient, holy city in central Tunisia was a center of Islamic culture and replete with colorful artistic subjects. Living expenses were also lower than in Europe. Though pestered by fleas and Arab ragamuffins, he diligently painted whenever weather permitted, taking advantage of inexpensive accommodations and models. The inconveniences of penury were more than assuaged by the opportunities to paint. Though improving his technique and producing many canvases during this time, Wolfe’s work was not the most important event of his time in North Africa. For it was there in 1928 that he met Louise Dahl [the fashion photographer, who would become his wife].” Source: “Meyer Wolfe: Southern Regional Artist” by Robert W. Ikard, Tennessee Historical Quarterly, Vol. LXVI, Summer 2007. 

PROVENANCE: The estate of Dr. Lawrence Wolfe, by descent from his uncle, the artist Meyer Wolfe.

CONDITION: Painting is in very good condition, lined and cleaned in 1998. A copy of the Conservation treatment report is available on request. Frame exhibits noticeable wear and scuffing.