Keywords: Abstract Expressionist, Modern Portrait, Oil On Canvas, Female Figure, 20th Century Art, Signed Painting, American Modernism, New York Estate, Impressionistic Style, Abstract Portrait, Expressionist Painting

Summary:
Willem de Kooning signed oil on canvas portrait, subject identified as the artist Mona Aarons. Signed lower right “de Kooning.” Offered without reserve and accompanied by a notarized letter of authenticity
This work had been submitted for authentication and was personally viewed and verified by Daniel Welden. Welden and De Kooning, worked side by side in de Kooning's studio for many years, co-producing stone lithographic works . Welden is a well known artist, teacher, author and respected de kooning expert who has often been called upon to authenticate works by de Kooning. The successful buyer will receive the letter attesting to this work being an original work by Willem de Kooning.

Provenance: Albert Burnette Roberts Estate, noted philanthropist, art historian, author. Roberts had an interesting life history, full of accomplishments, Secretary to the Ways and Means Committee and a board member of Albany Institute of History and Art, philanthropist and donated many art works to public collections. Roberts was a respected art collector and authentication expert known for his rigorous system of authentications. Roberts authored a book with Lawrence Pitkethly titled "Sleeping With Matisse" that explains his method of authentication. He also set up the Albert B. Roberts Foundation to give financial support to artists. We understand that the Van Dyck from the collection was sold in London Sotheby for several million.

Measurement: Art: 24 x 20 in. (61 x 50.8 cm.), Frame: 27 3/4 x 23 3/4 in. (70.5 x 60.3 cm.) approx

This is a NO RESERVE AUCTION: there are no hidden or confidential reserves, all acceptable bidding commences at the online START PRICE.

Bidders are encouraged to carefully review all photographs and, when possible, examine items in person prior to bidding. Photographs form an integral part of each lot’s description. The absence of a condition report, notation, or reference to damage does not imply that an item is free from defects, restoration, wear, or other condition issues. All items are sold as is, where is, and may show signs of age, use, wear, repair, or prior restoration. By placing a bid, bidders acknowledge and agree to the Terms and Conditions of Sale.

All descriptions, catalog statements, condition reports, reflect an opinion based on the information provided to us at the time of cataloging. Any certificates of authenticity, if provided by consignor, will be noted in the catalog. Clocks and watches are not warranted or represented to keep accurate time. We strongly recommend that all vintage lighting be examined or rewired prior to use.

Auction Galleries reselling works do not issue Certificates of Authenticity. COA's should best be sought from the original artist or their foundations, which often refrain from giving written authentication opinions. Accordingly, works are sold as ATTRIBUTED to the artist or maker named in the description. These attributions reflect an OPINION and are intended to provide collectors, researchers, and institutions the opportunity to study and further contextualize the material offered or establish a work’s art-historical significance.