Perry Nichols Fresco to be Offered at Auction!

Dallas, Texas: A member of the "Dallas Nine," and the artist responsible for the murals that adorn Dallas' landmark Inwood Theater, as well as the mural in front of the Dallas Morning News Building, Perry Nichols stands as a significant figure in the history of modern Texas Art.

Born in Dallas in 1911, Nichols demonstrated a passion for art early on in his life, and won a scholarship to study with Alexander Hogue while still in high school. He would also go on to study under Eleanor Benners, Frank Reaugh, and Peter Hurd.

During the 1930's Nichols identified himself with the growing Regionalist Movement in American Art, and exhibited at major shows nationwide, including the New York World's Fair, the Chicago World's Fair, and the Chicago Art Institute. As with other Dallas artists, Nichols was influenced by the Italian quattrocentro painters. Along with this influence was an interest in the revival of Renaissance techniques such as fresco and egg tempera.

"The hangable fresco Mary Nell was a strong statement by Perry Nichols of his belief in Renaissance methods," said Larry Boettigheimer, Director of Early Texas Art for Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries. "This painting, his entry in the 1936 Texas Centennial, is considered the most important Nichols painting not already in a museum. A wonderful artist-designed and painted frame completes the Renaissance tradition of high craftsmanship."

Boettigheimer continued, "The unrestored masterpiece has the look of a 14th or 15th century fresco. Without a doubt, this is a wonderful opportunity to own a rare 1936 Texas Centennial painting."

Heritage Auction Galleries will offer Perry Nichols' Mary Nell in their upcoming Signature auction, to be held June 10, 2006 at their headquarters in Dallas, Texas.

PERRY NICHOLS (1911-1992)
Mary Nell, 1936
Fresco
ESTIMATE: $30,000 - $50000.

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HeritageAuctions.com.

Prospective consignors and sellers of fine art, antiques, decorative arts, silver and art glass are invited to www.HeritageAuctions.com/FineArt and click on the "Sell Now" tab. Or simply email Larry Boettigheimer at LarryB@HeritageAuctions.com.

To reserve your copy of any Heritage auction catalog, please contact Nicole Jewell at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 272, or visit www.HeritageAuctions.com to order by email.