ESPHYR SLOBODKINA (1908-2002)Untitled, (Mural Study). Pencil on paper, circa 1938. 102x254 mm; 4x10 inches. Provenance: The artist; Private collection. Esphyr Slobodkina married Ilya Bolotowsky in 1933, separating in 1936, and they divorced in 1938. Circa 1938 she created drawings and five oil paintings that were studies for murals. Bolotowsky's influence can be seen in her use of biomorphic and hard-edge abstract forms similar to the compositional elements of his Williamsburg mural. Slobodkina's time in the employ of the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration (FAP)(WPA) began in 1936, serving as an assistant to Hananiah Harari in the mural division. There is no record she nor Harari were awarded any mural projects.