Oil on canvas painting; featuring the words happy against a motif of high contrasting colours; signed and attr. Stuart Davis (American, 1892-1964); 13.5 x 17.5 inch (34.29 x 44.45 cm). Stuart Davis’s paintings synthesized many of the most prominent movements and styles of 20th-century modernism. Though his early works reveal the influence of Robert Henri and the Ashcan School of American painting, he would later abandon this Realist style in favor of experimentation with Post-Impressionism and Cubism, drawing particular influence from Cézanne and Matisse. Davis developed his own style based on Synthetic Cubism, depicting American commercial products and household implements with a stylized integration of figure and ground and a strong interest in surface quality and perspective. Later in his career, Davis would explore the urban confluence of technology, architecture, and music—he came to consider jazz the musical equivalent to abstract visual art, channeling its energy with his bold colors and rhythmic geometries. PROVENANCE: Southern Ontario Estate

All authorship of items in this catalog are described according to the following terms:

By [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work is by the artist.

Attributed to [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

In the manner of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but was designed deliberately to emulate the style of the artist.

After [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but is a deliberate copy of a known work by the artist.

Circle of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil.

Follower of [Artist Name]: In our opinion, a work by a pupil or a follower of the artist (not necessarily a pupil).

American, 19th century : In our opinion, this work was executed by an unknown hand, and can only be identified by origin (i.e., region, period).

Bears signature : In our opinion, the signature on the artwork may be spurious.
Apocryphal : Of doubtful authenticity.