Female Nude Model. Ink with pastel highlighting on paper, estate stamp signature near the lower right edge, matted and framed under glass, measuring approx. 17-1/4" x 11-1/2" sight size, and with the framing overall approx. 24" x 18". Ex. Coll. Earl Neff, Cleveland, Ohio. Affixed to the back of the framing is a hand-wirtten note by Mr. Neff about this piece.
"William Sommer was the best artist I ever knew. I met him while creating art at the Otis Lithograph Co., following my graduation in 1924 from the Cleveland Art School. He taught me much during the day and at night I studied one night a week with Henry Keller at Huntington Polytechnic Institute. The model in this picture was my favorite of all. When Vivian and I went to view Bill Sommer's Memorial Show in the old schoolhouse in Brandywine, Ohio, I asked Ray, Bill's son, if he would permit me to remove one picture at a time to take out in the sun to photograph. He gave me permission. This was the picture I photographed. Later, before leaving, Ray came out with this picture. I said, "Ray, I shot that first." Again Ray handed it to me. Thinking he hadn't heard me I again repeated my statement. Then Vivian said, "Earl, Ray is wanting you to have it." I could not believe it. Tears filled my eyes. I did not know how to thank him. I treasure this above all I own. Bill knew how to produce great art with the line and a minimum modelling."
800/1,200 Sold $1,725.00
back to catalog
