Alfalfa Field
Artist
Victor Higgins
(American, 1884 - 1949)
Datec. 1929-1931
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions26 1/8 x 30 1/8 inches (66.4 x 76.5 cm)
Frame: 29 3/4 × 34 × 2 inches (75.6 × 86.4 × 5.1 cm)
Frame: 29 3/4 × 34 × 2 inches (75.6 × 86.4 × 5.1 cm)
Credit LineBequest of H.J. Lutcher Stark, 1965
Object number31.17.7
ClassificationsPaintings
Label TextWhen Higgins was painting this work in Taos, the village saw an influx of artists who brought modernist styles. Their influences affected the style of Higgins. In his painting Alfalfa Field, he indicated his growing interest in depicting the landscape around the Taos area. His approach became more constructed, rather than naturalistic. Higgins built his painting from patches of parallel strokes of paint. The rhythmic spruce trees that frame the scene reach upward. One even goes beyond the picture frame. Their upward growth counteracts the weighty, low hanging clouds. The painter’s hand is evident in the brushstrokes and composition.
ProvenanceArtist; Joan Higgins Reed, Taos, New Mexico (daughter and heir of artist) [1]; purchased Janurary 4, 1957 by H.J. Lutcher Stark [1887-1965]; bequeathed September 2, 1965 to the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art
| 1. Jane Hiatt of La Fonda Art Gallery was the go-between for the sale and shipping but the check was made out to Mrs. Joan Reed.
On View
On view
