Circle Auction
Live Auction

Contemporary + Modern: Art & Design

Fri, Jan 28, 2022 01:00AM EST
Lot 51

NICOLAS AFRICANO / The Reflection (1974 Acrylic)

Sold for

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$5,000 $250
$10,000 $500
$20,000 $1,000
$50,000 $2,500
$75,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
Nicolas Africano
(Illinois, b. 1948)
The Reflection, 1974
Acrylic on carpet backing
14 1/2" x 15"

Modeled after Nicolas Africano's wife Cynthia, the image centers on a figure interacting with her reflection in the midst of an expansive blue environment. Presented in a wooden frame that measures 24" x 24".

Provenance: From the Bill & Ellen Morgan collection. Bill Morgan is a professor emeritus of English at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. It was there that he befriended Nicolas Africano, and he quickly became a patron and collector of the Africano's work as well; for a time Morgan rented Africano a room, occasionally accepting artwork in lieu of payment. This far-reaching collection from an early adopter gives a unique opportunity to access rare early works and get an expansive view of the artist during several pivotal moments in his journey.

Alternate spelling: Nicholas Africano

Condition

Very good condition, noting some moisture staining to the mat at the bottom right. No notable issues were observed under blacklight inspection.