Abstract Composition in Blue and Yellow
Painting on canvas • Alice Baber (American, 1928–1982)
Style & Movement
Color Field Painting / Lyrical Abstraction
Medium & Technique
Acrylic or polymer-based paint on canvas; likely utilizing color field staining or fluid wash techniques
Creation Period
1975 (dated)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated large-scale vertical portrait format (approximately 40 x 30 inches or larger, typical for the artist)
Subject Description
Non-representational abstract composition featuring overlapping biomorphic shapes and translucent washes of color. The work explores the interaction of light and fluid forms, characteristic of the artist's focus on 'The Ladder of Light' series.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible surface staining and darkening
Estimated Market Value
$15,000 - $35,000 USD (dependent on full size and composition)
Auction Estimate
$10,000 - $20,000 USD
Provenance History
Signed 'Baber 75' on the face. Likely acquired from a New York or Paris gallery during the mid-to-late 1970s; currently in a private collection.
Art Historical Significance
Alice Baber was a prominent figure in the post-war American abstract movement. This 1975 work represents her mature period, characterized by a refined control over color translucency and spiritual abstraction, bridging the gap between Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting.
Notable Features
Features the artist's distinctive cursive signature and date '75' near the edge color break. The weave of the canvas is visible through the thin, stained paint layers, a hallmark of Lyrical Abstraction.
Condition Issues
The image shows significant localized surface grime, possible water damage, or environmental staining in the lower yellow section. There is also slight wear to the canvas edges and a shadow suggesting a lack of protective glazing.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning by a paintings conservator to address the discoloration in the yellow field. UV-protective glazing and a deep float frame are recommended to protect the delicate paint film.