$2,160
Benny Andrews (African American, 1930-2006) Circle Study #44 Signed and dated "Benny Andrews/Dec 29, 1972" in ink l. r., titled, inscribed, and signed "...BENNY ANDREWS" with a graphite sketch on the reverse, also titled and signed "...BENNY ANDREWS" on the cardboard backing. Ink on paper, 17 3/4 x 11 3/4 in. (45.1 x 29.8 cm), framed. Condition: Subtle rippling, mild water staining along top edge and l.l. corner, mild toning. Provenance: A private Massachusetts collection. N.B. The present study is paradigmatic of Andrews work, which deals with biblical allegory and social commentary on the African American struggle against racial stereotypes. It illustrates the central vignette from Andrews's large-scale allegorical painting Circle , 1973, which depicts an African American man crucified by watermelon weights and mocked by a cloaked phantasm wielding a watermelon blade. A letter from the artist accompanies the lot.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2013-02-01
