Charcoal drawing
Signed and dated lower right and inscribd with a personal dedication. On laminate hand-made cardboard. 47 x 59,5 cm (18,5 x 23,4 in), size of sheet
Attached is a copy of a letter from Elaine de Kooning dated 30 November 1985 and a photo of the work that is signed on verso. Audrey Hess, to whom Willem de Kooning gave this work, was married to Thomas B. Hess, publisher of Art News. He released the fundamental work on abstract painting in America "Abstract Painting: Background and American Phase" in 1951. Just as Willem and Elaine de Kooning, Hess also belonged to the debating circle in the Artist's Club in 39 East 8th Street, the precursor of the "New York School".

PROVENANCE: Collection Audrey and Thomas B. Hess (present from the artist).
Private collection, New York.
Private collection Netherlands.

Just as it is the case with his sculptures and paintings originating from the same time, Willem de Kooniungs great mastery is proven by the surface’s high degree of abstraction that is achieved by a spontaneous manner. The initial form of the portrait is taken to another level of composition by means of the obliterations. Koonings concept of how to deal with the surface becomes quite obvious in the manner of how the broad strokes in this portrait have been. [EH].