Patrick Henry Bruce (virginia, 1881-1936) Portrait Of A - Aug 23, 2014 | Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates In Va
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PATRICK HENRY BRUCE (VIRGINIA, 1881-1936) PORTRAIT OF A

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PATRICK HENRY BRUCE (VIRGINIA, 1881-1936) PORTRAIT OF A
PATRICK HENRY BRUCE (VIRGINIA, 1881-1936) PORTRAIT OF A
Item Details
Description
PATRICK HENRY BRUCE (VIRGINIA, 1881-1936) PORTRAIT OF A MAN, charcoal on paper, a rare and fascinating early example of Bruce's work, depicting Mr. Robert Clark of Richmond, VA. Signed "P. H. Bruce / Dec. 9th 1901" lower left. Housed under glass in period, possibly original, matte and frame. Accompanied by a copy of "Patrick Henry Bruce: American Modernist" in which the painting is illustrated. Circa 1901. 24" x 18" sight, 31 1/2" x 25 1/2" OA.
Published: Agee and Rose - Patrick Henry Bruce: American Modernist, p. 152, fig. A2.
"Provenance: Property of Adeline Harmon Coles Cox, Richmond, VA.

Catalogue Note: This fascinating early work of Patrick Henry Bruce clearly demonstrates the artist's talents as well as a distinct tendency, though restrained, towards abstraction. This portrait depicts Robert Clark, father of Adele Clark (Alabama/Virginia, 1887-1983), an important artist and social activist in early 20th century Richmond. Adele Clark and Patrick Henry Bruce were students together at the Art Club of Richmond around 1901, and Mr. Clark would often model for his daughter's class in the evenings. This portrait was reportedly given to Adele upon just such an occasion. After attending art school in Richmond, Bruce went on to study with Robert Henri and William Merrit Chase in New York City in 1903. He then traveled to Paris shortly thereafter, where he studied with Henri Matisse for several years, and remained in France for close to three decades thereafter. Following his period of study with Matisse, Patrick Henry Bruce's work became increasingly abstract, often focusing on still-life compositions. Ahead of his time and lacking critical or commercial recognition, Bruce often supplemented his income by selling antiques and artifacts. Depressed and without a real prospect of success, he quit painting in 1930 and destroyed thirty-three of his works. Shortly after returning to New York City in 1936, Bruce committed suicide. Patrick Henry Bruce paintings are much in demand on today's market. An abstract still-life composition from 1919 sold for over one million dollars at a Sotheby's auction in 2000. The appearance of the present lot on the market represents a unique opportunity to acquire an early work from a rare and important American artist.
"
Condition
Significant toning, foxing, and staining. A few small creases and tears to edges.
Buyer's Premium
  • 20%

PATRICK HENRY BRUCE (VIRGINIA, 1881-1936) PORTRAIT OF A

Estimate $300 - $500
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Starting Price $150

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