60

According to noted art historian, Patricia Janis Broder, “During his lifetime, Hennings rejected the techniques and objectives that characterized avant-garde painting in the first half of the twentieth century. He retained a basic conservatism and never compromised in his dedication to excellence and craftsmanship. Throughout his life he found great joy in his work. He once wrote: ‘A painting is a great adventure—thinking over a subject—making many sketches—designing—composing—organizing, planning its color, its lighting—shadows and interweaving contrasts—until you are certain it has everything for a strong and effective painting—then you go to work on your canvas, with your models— this will call for all the ability and craftsmanship which the years of work have given you, plus all the special effort you are capable of in order to have a consummative and significant piece of art realized.’”

PROVENANCE:
Harrison Eiteljorg, Indianapolis, Indiana, gifted to
Indianapolis Museum of Art, 1975
Private Collection, California

EXHIBITIONS:
Selections from the Harrison Eiteljorg Collection, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana, January - February 1976

LITERATURE:
Patricia Janis Broder, Taos: A Painter’s Dream (Boston, Massachusetts: Little, Brown & Company, 1980), color plate 56, illustrated
Harrison Eiteljorg, Treasures of the American West, Selections from the Collection of Harrison Eiteljorg (New York, New York: Balance House, 1981), page 89, illustrated

Condition ReportOriginal canvas, hairline cracks along left and right stretcher bars, surface condition very good, several hairline cracks in center of painting, tiny specks of inpainting throughout.

Important Notice: Statements of condition are provided as a service to potential bidders; such statements are educated opinions and should not be regarded as facts. The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction has no responsibility for any errors or omissions.