Oil on canvas, signed and dated "Samuel Middleton '55" at upper right, inscribed '"Summer" 1-15-55 / S. Middleton" to verso, presented in a later frame.

Stretcher size 26 1/2 x 36 in.; Frame dimensions 33 1/2 x 43 1/4 in.

Private Collection, Brooklyn, New York

While best known for his collages, Sam Middleton began painting in oils before traveling to Mexico in 1956 for further study. According to Hansje Kalff, the artist's widow, there are no photos of paintings he made in New York in the 1950s. She says his foray to collage was the result of a bet with friends that he would be able to make a painting without using brushes or paint.

We wish to thank Hansje Kalff for her assistance in cataloguing this lot.

Patch to verso with associated retouch visible under UV light (over trash bin behind young girl jumping rope).

$2,000 - 4,000