Lot Essay
A superb example of Nicolai Fechin's work, The Drum Player is indicative of his Taos, New Mexico period, which combines a predilection for modern art while simultaneously capturing the realism of an intimate glimpse into the region's Native American life. Trained at the Imperial Academy in St. Petersberg, Fechin developed a quick and dramatic approach to painting. He immigrated to the United States in 1923, and settled in Taos, a burgeoning art colony, in 1926.
Fechin flourished in the bright light and intense color of the region. He quickly developed a great respect and affection for the native peoples of the area, and often included them in his compositions. Interested in portraiture throughout his career, he maintained a keen sense of capturing the individuality of those who posed for him. Using pure color applied directly onto the canvas with broad strokes of a palette knife, Fechin would then often discard his artists' tools and use his thumb to re-work the finer qualities of the sitter's expression and moods. He worked quickly, sometimes violently attacking the canvas with his palette knife, often causing his sitters to become apprehensive.
A letter from Eya Fechin Branham, daughter of the artist, dated July 7, 1991, accompanies the lot.
Fechin flourished in the bright light and intense color of the region. He quickly developed a great respect and affection for the native peoples of the area, and often included them in his compositions. Interested in portraiture throughout his career, he maintained a keen sense of capturing the individuality of those who posed for him. Using pure color applied directly onto the canvas with broad strokes of a palette knife, Fechin would then often discard his artists' tools and use his thumb to re-work the finer qualities of the sitter's expression and moods. He worked quickly, sometimes violently attacking the canvas with his palette knife, often causing his sitters to become apprehensive.
A letter from Eya Fechin Branham, daughter of the artist, dated July 7, 1991, accompanies the lot.