Lot Essay
Concert Touche, Paris was executed in 1920. The watercolor depicts Richard and Isabella Parmenter as a newly married couple who embrace one another at left. Dickinson became aquainted with the Parmenters during his twelve month stay in Paris during 1919 and 1920 and they often attended the Concert Touche recitals together. To the Parmenters' right is a newspaper bearing the headline "Parmenter Gagne Loterie," an allusion to Richard's good fortune in marrying Isabella. At the center a man sits with his hand to his head troubled over the marriage that has transpired. This man represents Dickinson, who has lost his friend Richard to marriage. Bereft of his friend's companionship, Dickinson considers seeking comfort from the ladies of the night beside him.