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According to noted art historian Rick Stewart, “Higgins was enthralled by Taos, telling one writer that the area had captured him ‘because of the light. There is the best light to be found anywhere. There is more color in the landscape and the people than elsewhere. And besides this there is the constant call here to create something.’

“Higgins had learned from his teacher Henri how important it was for the artist to identify closely with his subject, and to translate the spirit of that subject into form and color. The scenes of Taos life which he painted were created through attention to mass, line, and tone; initially one could identify specific subjects in his work, but gradually Higgins began to emphasize a greater emotional effect arrived at through the medium of the paint itself, though his subjects did not become any less realistic. As his friend Ernest Blumenschein observed, Higgins possessed ‘a painter’s style.’ Before long Higgins began to paint pure landscape and still life in an effort to move away from the more anecdotal or picturesque works of his fellow Taos artists.”

PROVENANCE
Private collection, Chicago, Illinois, ca. 1930s
Present owners, by descent

Condition ReportSurface is in good condition. Faint hairline cracks throughout. Canvas is lined to a panel. Spots of inpainting at edges of frame. Small spots of inpainting between sky and mountains, on right side. Spots of inpainting in the foreground.

Important Notice: Statements of condition are provided as a service to potential bidders; such statements are educated opinions and should not be regarded as facts. The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction has no responsibility for any errors or omissions.