LEONARDO NIERMAN (B. 1932)
The Comet
Oil on Masonite board
48" x 32"
Signed by Nierman lower left
Also with the original frame issued by Hammer Galleries
Purchased in 1960 for $400 by Friedman & Abeles from Hammer Galleries, New York. Together with original purchase receipt and labeling from Hammer Galleries under archive number: 18212-15.

From our consignor's collection: This lot is to also include a special collection of Leonardo Nierman documentation which links his relationship to the important collector David Bright. The documentation includes: two signed letters, 8 commercial and shipping invoices (5 total which are hand signed by Nierman), two slides from Nierman to David, one I.F.A. Gallery exhibition invitation, insurance letter from David to insure both his purchased works. David & his wife Dolly were well known collector's of major works of art. Their collection consisted of paintings by Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Juan Gris, Joan Miro, Henri Matisse, Alberto Giacometti, Jean DuBuffet, and many others. The Bright's collection consisted of over 125 works. Their donation of 23 major works of art helped launched The Los Angeles County Museum of Modern Art.

Nierman writes the following to David on his personal letterhead dating from September 2, 1959 - "Dear Mr. Bright: I hope that this lines will find you enjoying the best of health. I am including you the shipping envoice of the paintings "Imaginary Landscape" and "Mandolin and it's Soul" that Mr. Lawrence Israel asked me to send you, I hope that you like the paintings as well as the slides. Looking forward to hear from you, please receive my best regards - Cordially, Leonardo Nierman"

David responds to Leonardo on September 25, 1959 and writes - "Dear Mr. Nierman: Mrs. Bright and I have just returned from New York and found the two paintings that you were kind enough to send us. Both of us are thrilled with your work! The paintings are just beautiful, and I would like to have the privilege of making your acquaintance when we next come to Mexico City. Please send me a bill for the "Imaginary Landscape" and "Mandolin and it's Soul" in order that I may send you my check. Looking forward to seeing you, I am Sincerely yours, David E. Bright".

Leonardo responds on September 30, 1959 and writes the following: "Dear Mr. Bright: Thank you for your very kind letter of Sept. 25. I am delighted to hear that Mrs. Bright and yourself liked the paintings. It is indeed an honor to be in as wonderful a collection as yours. As to the price of the pictures, they amount to $520. - i.e. $280.- for "Imaginary Landscape" and $240.- for "Mandolin and it's Soul". I am very much looking forward to meeting you both on your next visit to Mexico. Be assured that "mi casa es su casa!" Meanwhile permit me to enclose an invitation to the opening for my forthcoming exhibition at the i.f.a. galleries in Washington. It would be a pleasure to welcome you there. With best wishes - Sincerely yours, Leonardo Nierman."

Good condition overall with some light frame scratches.