Jazz Saxophonist in Yellow
Painting on canvas • Contemporary artist, Manner of the London School or Neo-Expressionism (unsigned in visible area).
Style & Movement
Contemporary Neo-Expressionism / Figurative Expressionism with Fauvist influence.
Medium & Technique
Oil or heavy-body acrylic on canvas, utilizing expressive impasto brushwork, wet-on-wet blending, and alla prima application.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (c. 1990-2020)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches; Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A jazz trio performing in a low-light setting. The central figure is a saxophonist wearing a vibrant yellow and blue patterned garment, illuminated by a warm, theatrical light source. A double bassist and a second musician (likely a keyboardist) emerge from the deep purple and blue shadows in the background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the canvas appears taut and the paint film is stable with no evidence of major cracking or flaking.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500
Auction Estimate
$800 - $2,000
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or a local gallery; appears to be a private collection piece without historical exhibition labels.
Art Historical Significance
A modern exploration of the 'Jazz in Art' tradition, following the lineage of Max Beckmann and Romare Bearden. It captures the synesthetic relationship between color and sound, emphasizing emotional intensity over anatomical precision.
Notable Features
Highly energetic gestural brushstrokes; high-contrast 'Chiaroscuro' reimagined with modern neon-adjacent hues; the use of violet and deep indigo to create volume in the background figures.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust and very slight edge wear potentially from previous framing; no significant structural damage or pigment loss visible.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning; framing with a float frame is recommended to protect edges; display away from direct UV light to prevent fading of the vibrant yellows and purples.