Wisdom or Folly. Oil on canvas in four panels; inscribed; with custom wooden frame. Monumental expressionistic figurative composition. The work presents abstracted nude figures rendered in muted tones of gray; blue; beige; coral-red; and touches of gold; with gestural brushwork characteristic of the Boston Figurative Expressionist movement. Each of the four equal quadrants creates a narrative sequence or simultaneous meditation on the human condition; with contorted; dynamic figures suggesting various states of existence and emotional intensity. The titles philosophical duality - wisdom versus folly - invites contemplation of human nature and life choices. This major work exemplifies Doyles mature figurative style at its most ambitious scale; demonstrating the influence of German Expressionism filtered through her training under Karl Zerbe; with bold color relationships and the exaggerated; expressive brushwork typical of Boston Expressionism. The work shows clear affinities to Henri Matisses Fauvist approach and the emotional intensity of Edvard Munch. Artists name and title inscribed on verso. #0137 Estate Inventory Number. Authenticated by John Curuby; President of The Boston Art Club. Certificate of Authentication available upon request.

CONDITION: The painting is in good overall condition consistent with its age. The paint surfaces across the four panels are generally stable with no significant cracking, flaking, or paint loss. The muted palette and thin paint application appear intentional and consistent across all panels. The seams where the four canvases meet are visible as thin horizontal and vertical lines running through the center of the composition, which is inherent to the quadriptych format. The walnut strip frame shows minor wear including small nicks and surface scuffing at the corners. The verso reveals the four individual stretchers joined together with white canvas overlap tacked in place; the artist's name "Polly Doyle" appears in red paint on the tacking margins of each panel, along with the title and date inscriptions in both graphite and red paint. One of the four canvases (lower left) shows moderate foxing or brown spotting on the reverse, suggesting some past exposure to moisture, though no corresponding damage is visible on the painted surface. Hanging wire is strung between eye hooks on the upper two panels. The work would benefit from a professional examination of the reverse canvas condition on the lower left panel.

DIMENSIONS: 44.5 x 44 3/4 in.

PROVENANCE: From the Estate of Polly Doyle via The Boston Art Club. Private collection.

• Low Estimate: 4500.00
• High Estimate: 5200.00