The Collection of Paul Gregory and Janet Gaynor. ADRIAN (American, 1903-1959). African Jungle with Figures. Water ...

Description

The Collection of Paul Gregory and Janet Gaynor

ADRIAN (American, 1903-1959)
African Jungle with Figures
Water media and graphite on illustration board
19-1/4 x 14-1/4 inches (48.9 x 36.2 cm)
Signed lower right: Adrian

Paul has lived with this watercolor for almost 50 years and deeply admires "the terrific line" that characterizes the individual forms and the composition as a whole. "It is so easy to see it is Adrian's," Paul notes, "because of the line. He had an extraordinary feeling for line in everything he did."

Adrian was in love with the idea of Africa from the time he was a young boy. Before he ever visited the continent, his imagination was fueled by romantic thoughts of the people, the animals, the vast exotic landscapes, the vegetation. He painted many imaginary African scenes before he ever laid eyes on the continent. In 1949 he and Janet took what Time magazine (October 1, 1951) reported as "a six-week motor trip through the Sudan, Kenya, and the Belgian Congo," so that Adrian could "see if my African dream was true." Bumping over 4,000 miles of trails, he decided that he had been right in the main. But he picked up a lot of new ideas. Back home he not only produced 19 oil paintings of Africa in just months, which he promptly exhibited in New York, but he also incorporated African-inspired textile designs and shapes into his sumptuous evening gowns--some of which he designed for Janet. The present sale includes a core group of African masks, ceremonial blades, carved vessels and sculptures which Adrian collected in Africa on this first, as well as subsequent, trips. The objects, illustrated on the following pages, became part of the Gregory-Gaynor collection following Adrian's death.






*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.