Robert Riggs (1896-1970)
Flowers for the Gentleman
signed 'Robert Riggs.' (lower right)
tempera on panel
25 x 36 in. (63.5 x 91.4 cm.)
Painted in 1951.
Footnotes:
Provenance
Philip Desind (1910-1996), Capricorn Galleries, Bethesda, Maryland, acquired from the artist, circa 1960s.
Barbara (née Desind) Kernan (b. 1939), Capricorn Galleries, Rockville, Maryland, daughter of the above, by descent from the above, 1996.
Sale, Freeman's, Philadelphia, June 9, 2006, lot 198, sold by the above. (as Flowers for the Gentleman (Mummer's Parade) )
Acquired by the present owner at the above sale.

In Flowers for the Gentleman, Robert Riggs depicts what is believed to be a wondrous scene from the Mummers Parade held each New Year's Day in Philadelphia. The Mummers Parade is the oldest continuous folk parade held in the United States, with its roots dating as far back as the mid-17th century and blending elements of Swedish, Finnish, Irish, English, German, and other European heritages, as well as African heritages. The parade itself is related to the Mummers Play tradition in Britain and Ireland where folk plays were performed by costumed troupes of traditionally all male actors known as Mummers or Guisers. The tradition began in Philadelphia in the 18th century as part of working-class street celebrations around Christmas, however, it wasn't until January 1, 1901 when the first official parade would march through the city. Riggs, a nearly life-long resident of Philadelphia, would have witnessed numerous Mummers Parades along with the extraordinary pageantry they entail. In the present work, Riggs beautifully portrays two magnificent figures dressed in richly detailed, white and silver feathered costumes being handed lavish bouquets of flowers. Meanwhile, a procession of similarly costumed figures in red and gold march behind them.

The panel is flat and in good, stable condition. The paint surface is in good, clean condition overall. There are several small superficial scuffs to the paint surface near the lower right corner. There is minor frame abrasion visible along the extreme edges. Upon inspection under ultraviolet light, there are a handful of small spots of inpainting visible along the extreme left edge at center and on and around the feet and legs of the figure in white at left.