This lot consists of a framed oil on canvas, done in the modern style of Harlem Renaissance painter, Miguel Covarrubias (Mexican, 1904-1957). A hand-painted inscription at lower right corner reads simply, "Covarrubias". This work presents three African-American musicians, uniformly dressed in red coats and orange ties. Sheets of music lie draped over the piano in front of them. The viewer's gaze ultimately settles somewhere in the background, where an attractive couple waltzes through a field of green. This work provides intimations of Covarrubias' experiences during the Harlem Renaissance (he arrived in New York in 1923), and the impact its music had on his work. Framed piece measures approximately 23.5" x 19.5", with an approximate image sight of 19.5" x 15.5".

Miguel Covarrubias is said to have regularly attended nightclub performances in Harlem, making hundreds of sketches of what he saw. The Mexican-born artist was friends with jazz singers Ethel Waters (American, 1896-1977) and Florence Mills (American, 1896-1927), as well as the great prose writers Zora Neale Hurston (American, 1891-1960) and Langston Hughes (American, 1902-1967). Covarrubias also became a close friend of W. C. Handy (American, 1873-1958), the first black blues anthologist to have his work published in the United States.

Covarrubias' portrayals of the contemporary jazz scene were the first of their kind to be syndicated nationally. A number of his first drawings for Vanity Fair featured black musicians that Covarrubias had seen at revues and cabarets in Harlem. Miguel Covarrubias was also, and somewhat controversially, the jacket illustrator for the first edition of Hughes' "The Weary Blues" (1926). In addition to his contributions to the field of painting, Covarrubias also worked as a theatre designer, printmaker, and teacher of art history.

PROVENANCE:
Private Collection

DIMENSIONS:
Overall approx. 23.5" x 19.5"; image sight approx. 19.5" x 15.5".


Our June 6th auction includes consignments from both the United States and Overseas. A fine offering of Modern Art.

PLEASE NOTE: Lots that do not carry established documented provenance nor any past auction record are described in this catalog as "in the style of". Authentication has not been established nor is it implied. No additional information regarding provenance will be provided after the auction. Definition of "in the style of" is as follows:

"In the style of" [Artist Name] : The work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

Overall excellent condition. Little to no signs of age or wear. Frame remains structurally sound. Colors are rich, clear, and vivid. Please examine photos for further detail.