Tulips – Still Life 1997 [W/P]



Synthetic polymer paint on paper, 70 x 55

Signed, dated and titled [s+d l.r., within image: ‘Howard Arkley 97’; also sd+t on verso: ‘Name Howard Arkley / Title Tulips – Stilfre {sic} / Date 1997 / Size 760 cm x 570’ {acc.to Menzies 3/13 and 6/15}]

Coll.: unknown (last auctioned June 2015)

This variant of the small square-format canvas Still Life Tulips (1996) comes from the same Queensland collection as several other late Arkleys all acquired in about 1998: see e.g. Stillife Petunia 1998.

When viewed in Melbourne prior to its first appearance at auction (Menzies, Sydney, March 2013), the work appeared to be in good condition; however, the sprayed grey line-work looked somewhat cursory in places.

Provenance

  • F.& D.Meares collection, Queensland (apparently acquired directly from the artist, c.1998: information and ID photo supplied to Arkley Estate Sept.2011: as ‘Tulips’)
  • Auctioned by Menzies, Sydney, 21 March 2013, lot 113 (ill.& dets.as above; est. $14-18,000; sold for $14,000 plus B/P {$17,182})
  • Auctioned by Menzies, Melb., 25 June 2015, lot 60 (same details, ill.: est.$15-18,000; sold for $13,000 plus buyer’s premium)
  • Auctioned by Menzies, Sydney, 21 March 2021, lot 19 (same details, ill.: est.$18-24,000; sold for $26,000 plus buyer’s premium)