Robert Van Vorst Sewell [1860-1924]
United States
Sapientia [Wisdom], ca.1895
Oil on canvas
43 x 21 inches
Signed on stretcher verso.

CONDITION:
Original unrestored condition.  Overall painting is extremely yellow/brown with aged original varnish and surface grime.

DESCRIPTION:
A student of Gustave Clarence Rodolphe Boulanger [1824-1888] and Jules Joseph Lefebvre [1836-1911] in Paris, Sewell’s work most mirrors his master Lefebvre.  Sapientia, ca.1895, which means wisdom is either meant to be an ad or more likely a study for an architectural mural.  The painting is a lone woman in classical contrapposto holding a book and scrolls, the elements of wisdom.  The work is reminiscent of Lefebvre’s Young Symbolist Woman.  The painting is large at 43 inches tall and has not had any restoration.  Colors would be luminous with a cleaning.

PROVENANCE:
2010 ( David Smernoff, New Haven, CT & New York, NY ) ;
before 2010 Private collection of [withheld], Miami, FL ;
ca.1895 Robert Van Vorst Sewell [1860-1924], the artist .

EXHIBITIONS:
2021 David Smernoff, New Haven, CT and New York, NY “Radically traditionally modern : the rise of Art Nouveau an exhibition designed by JON x NY”, January 18 – February 14.