"Girl with Rosy Cheeks," 1964
Oil on canvasboard
Signed lower left: Milton Avery
12" H x 9" W

Provenance: Rudolph Galleries, Woodstock, NY

Notes: This lot is accompanied by a letter from the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, New York.

Avery began creating portraits in the last four years of his life. The Girl with Rosy Cheeks is animated by Avery's use of texture and contrasting color. His portraits offer a transformative quality by removing the confines of traditional portraiture. A painter might choose to emphasize individuality of their sitter, or by contrast, deconstructing the intention of portraiture. Avery offers a whimsical approach, underscoring the specificities of his subject and thereby shedding light on the intrinsic beauty and personality. In the present work, Avery employs texture and color through freeform application, removing the confines of realism to allow the viewer to see the young girl's personality. With her vivid blue eyes, bold cheeks, and charming bonnet with caplet, Avery draws attention to the joy of youth. These features are set against a striking and quickly applied background, juxtaposing darker pigments that provide depth to the face. The identity of the sitter is unknown; however, it is possible this is his daughter, March Avery, whom the artist often painted.

Visual: Generally good condition.

Blacklight: No evidence of restoration under blacklight.

Frame: 19.25" H x 16.5" W x 1.75" D