Marvin Dorwart Cone (American, 1891-1965) Stairs with Uncle Ben, 1956 Oil on canvasboard 22-1/8 ...

Description

Marvin Dorwart Cone (American, 1891-1965)
Stairs with Uncle Ben, 1956
Oil on canvasboard
22-1/8 x 9 inches (56.2 x 22.9 cm)
Signed lower left: Marvin Cone
Signed and titled on the reverse: Stairs with Uncle Ben / Marvin Cone

PROVENANCE:
The artist;
William Prescott Ellwood and Doris Cook Ellwood, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, likely commissioned from the above;
Private collection, Chicago, Illinois, acquired from the above, 1998;
Private collection, Chicago, Illinois, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, acquired from the above, 2014;
Private collection, Chicago, Illinois, acquired from the above, 2025.

LITERATURE:
J.S. Czestochowski, Marvin D. Cone: Art as Self-Portrait, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 1990, no. 546,
p. 162.

This work will be included as no. 1956.004 in Joseph S. Czestochowski's forthcoming catalogue raisonné of the artist's work to be published by International Arts® at www.catrais.org. We wish to thank him for his assistance cataloguing this work.

Marvin Cone was long intrigued by the enigma of the "peering portrait." The present work belongs to a series of interior scenes the artist produced, commencing in 1945 for roughly 20 years, that convey the same haunted mood. Joseph S. Czestochowski explains, "it is clear that his childhood reminiscences provided a wealth of subjects for Cone the mature artist. At the age of four, for example, Marvin had a favorite uncle named Ben Dorwart, who had a large black beard and played a game of frightening him. Almost forty-five years later, this same uncle was the subject of Cone's provocative series of haunted interiors, which are peopled only by portraits of Uncle Ben." Stairs with Uncle Ben is imbued with the same fearful approach. A framed portrait of Uncle Ben rests against the wall and his gaze is focused on the turning staircase which cascades out of view. As an observer, following the winding construction of stairs, we imagine what might exist beyond the menacing shadows of the narrow ascending hallway.

Cone himself described works from this series as "painted from composite memories ... a series of gloomy interiors suggesting the eerie half-fearsome sensations toward the unknown." Cone continues his discussion on the stylistic evolution of these compositions, explaining each work started "as an abstraction, and the color values were developed to help establish a lonesome and apprehensive atmosphere" (Marvin D. Cone: Art as Self-Portrait, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 1990, pp. 33-34).

The present work retains its original contemporary frame handcrafted by the artist.

© Joseph S. Czestochowski


Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.