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Leon Polk Smith — Correspondence Mauve-Scarlet
Leon Polk Smith — Correspondence Mauve-Scarlet
Leon Polk Smith

Correspondence Mauve-Scarlet

1966

This abstract composition features a bold interplay between a deep dark ground and a vibrant scarlet orange form that dominates the right side of the canvas. The organic shape curves inward with sweeping, biomorphic edges that create a sense of dynamic tension against the recessive background. The artist employs a restricted color palette to emphasize the relationship between complementary tones, allowing the warm red to advance while the cool dark purple recedes. The work exemplifies the artist's exploration of color interaction and spatial relationships through pure abstract form, inviting viewers to experience the visual vibration generated by the contrasting hues.

Medium
oil on canvas
Overall
Location
Sotheby's, New York, NY

Notes

Contemporary Day Auction, Sotheby's, sale on 2026-05-15.

🔨 Auction Lot

Contemporary Day Auction

May 15, 2026

Estimate: $250,000 to $350,000

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About this work

Leon Polk Smith, Correspondence Mauve-Scarlet, 1966

This abstract composition features a bold interplay between a deep dark ground and a vibrant scarlet orange form that dominates the right side of the canvas. The organic shape curves inward with sweeping, biomorphic edges that create a sense of dynamic tension against the recessive background. The artist employs a restricted color palette to emphasize the relationship between complementary tones, allowing the warm red to advance while the cool dark purple recedes. The work exemplifies the artist's exploration of color interaction and spatial relationships through pure abstract form, inviting viewers to experience the visual vibration generated by the contrasting hues.

Medium
oil on canvas
Dimensions
overall: 235.6 x 172.1 cm
Year
1966
Seen at
Sotheby's, New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris

Related themes

Abstract Color Field, Color Relationship, Modernist Art, Mid Century Modern, Organic Shapes, Red Orange, Form And Color, Contemporary Abstraction, Chromatic Contrast, Color Theory, Visual Tension, Geometric Abstraction, Hard Edge Painting, Pure Abstraction, Minimalist Composition, Biomorphic Forms, Constructive Art, Spatial Composition

More works by Leon Polk Smith

Collected by

Paul McNally , Art Institute of Chicago