295

Of this painting Robert R. White, author of Bert Geer Phillips and the Taos Art Colony, wrote, “I was very pleased to have a chance to see Bert Phillips’ magnificent painting, Taos Maiden. This painting was previously unknown to me, but it has been hidden away in a private collection for many years and may have originally been known under a different title. The current title is a descriptive one, whereas Phillips would have used a more romantic title. A painting of this size and quality was undoubtedly done as an exhibition piece; that is, it was painted with the hope that it could win a prize or be purchased by a museum.

“Bert Phillips was the founder of the Taos art colony in September 1898, so his work is always of interest to me. Taos Maiden is of particular interest, though, because of the beautiful composition, the refined brushwork, and its unusually large size. The luminous quality of the woman’s dress is truly remarkable. All things considered, I think that this painting is equal to any of Phillips’ depictions of the people of Taos Pueblo.”

PROVENANCE
Coeur d’Alene Art Auction, Reno, Nevada, 2005
Private collection, Texas

LITERATURE
Larry Len Peterson, The American West Reimagined: Gems from the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction, Coeur d’Alene Art Auction, 2021, p. 321, illustrated

Condition ReportSurface condition is excellent. No signs of restoration.

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.