Gustave Baumann

(American/German, 1881–1971)

Hoosier Garden, edition 21/107

, 1961

woodcut

signed Gustave Baumann, dated, titled, and numbered (lower margin)

12 1/2 x 13 inches

Born in Germany, Gustave Baumann learned the art of the color woodcut in Munich, perfected his technique at the Brown County Art Colony in Indiana, and moved to the Southwest in 1918, first to Taos and then to Santa Fe. Baumann brought a modernist sensibility to the Arts and Crafts aesthetics he studied in Indiana, employing a strong, varied palette to textured and layered forms. Baumann also carved marionettes for public ceremonies (including Zozobra, precursor to today’s Burning Man) and figures for churches. Hoosier Garden, hearkening back to his Indiana days, is busy with hollyhocks, black-eyed susans, and veritable a profusion of flowers, set against wood-grained walls, rooftops, and a porch. San Geronimo-Taos, on the other hand, finds Baumann at home in New Mexico, layering lines of figures this time—spectators and dancers—against the levels of Taos Pueblo. Light, shadow, light, shadow—from the scattered observers nearest us, to the shadows of the performers on the the pueblo wall—the people mirror the ancient pueblo itself in a rhythm meant to evoke the Feast Day of San Geronimo, held every year on September 30th.

-James D. Balestrieri

Basic good condition. Taped to backmat at upper edge, recto. Tearing to edges and tape residue visible on verso from previous framing. Rippling and toning throughout sheet. Line of discoloration visible, in line with matting. Framed and matted behind glass. Dimensions: 21 1/4 x 21 1/4 inches. Please request additional images.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Alexandria Dreas

Specialist, Head of Sale, Western and Contemporary Native American Art

[email protected]303.825.1855

Alex has been working in the Fine Art industry for more than 12 years, including time spent at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, and the Denver Art Museum. She has been with Freeman's since 2019 and has headed the Western and Contemporary Native American Fine art Sales since 2021.

Katherine Hlavin

Consultant, Fine Art

[email protected]303.825.1855

Ms. Hlavin joined the firm in June 2017 as Director of Business Development, Western Region, at the Denver location and became a department specialist in 2020. Under her leadership, the Western Art sales in Denver established several sale records. Before joining the firm, she spent seven years working with galleries in Jackson Hole, Scottsdale and Denver. Most recently, she was Gallery Director of Visions West Contemporary in Denver and Jackson Hole. Prior to that, Ms. Hlavin was Director of American & Western Paintings at Altamira Fine Art.

Western & Contemporary Native American Art

Hoosier Garden, edition 21/107

Western & Contemporary Native American Art

Hoosier Garden, edition 21/107

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup