381

William Penhallow Henderson

(1877 - 1943)

Portrait of a Northern New Mexico Man

oil on board
in artist's handmade frame
inscribed on frame verso: W Penhallow Henderson
23 3/4 x 15 1/8 in. (60.3 x 38.4 cm.), frame: 34 x 25 x 1 1/8 in. (86.4 x 63.5 x 2.9 cm.)

  • Provenance: Susan Tarman Antiques & Fine Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico
    The Gregory Warren Nelson Collection, New Mexico

    William Penhallow Henderson's "Portrait of a Northern New Mexico Man" captures the rugged features and quiet dignity of a local figure, set against the mountainous backdrop of the region. The man, dressed in muted earth tones and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, reflects the landscape's stoic character. Henderson's brushwork emphasizes the weathered skin, expressive eyes, and contemplative expression of the sitter, creating a deeply personal and emotive portrayal.

    Henderson's use of color, with a warm palette of browns and greens, harmonizes with the rugged terrain in the background, blending man and nature in a seamless composition. His approach reflects the Post-Impressionist influence, where bold outlines and simplified forms create a decorative yet powerful effect. This portrait is a powerful evocation of the strength and resilience of the people of Northern New Mexico, grounded in their land and traditions.
  • Condition: Presents in very good condition. This painting has been examined by several experts who feel certain that it is the work of W. P. Henderson as demonstrated by the brushwork, palette, and the fact that the dimensions of the piece precisely meet Henderson's ideal of the Golden Mean. Under blacklight, it appears that an illegible spurious signature was added lower left at a later date. The painting shows surface grime throughout, and a recommended course of action would be to have the painting cleaned and the said spurious signature removed. It is well-documented that many of Henderson's paintings were unsigned, as we believe this piece to be. Blacklight further revealed minor areas of inpainting that appear to be present, including two touch-ups less than an eighth of an inch in diameter, one by the right shoulder and the other on the left shoulder of the figure. Minor touch ups on the perimeter of the figure's beard appear to be present, as well as a patch about two inches in length at the right perimeter of the board.

    The condition reports for the lots offered by Santa Fe Art Auction (SFAA) are provided as a courtesy and convenience for potential buyers. The reports are not intended to nor do they substitute for physical examination by a buyer or the buyer's advisors. The condition reports are prepared by SFAA staff members who are not art conservators or restorers, nor do they possess the qualifications needed for comprehensive evaluation. Each condition report is an opinion of the staff member and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report does not imply anything as to the condition of a particular lot. Buyers are reminded that the limited warranties are set forth in the Terms and Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition. Each lot is sold as-is.

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November 9, 2024 1:00 PM MST
Santa Fe, NM, US

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