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David Oxtoby — Mr. Upton
David Oxtoby — Mr. Upton
David Oxtoby — Mr. Upton
David Oxtoby

Mr. Upton

1966

This watercolor on paper presents a solitary male figure in a three quarter view, dressed in a formal black coat with prominent button detailing and shoulder insignia suggesting military or ceremonial rank. The composition is starkly minimalist, with the figure rendered in bold black silhouette against a cream colored ground, while abstract blue gray geometric forms hover in the upper right, creating compositional tension. The work exemplifies the restrained figurative approach characteristic of 1960s modernism, where representational subject matter is tempered by graphic simplification and non naturalistic spatial treatment. The artist employs a limited palette and clean, decisive forms that reflect the period's engagement with both figuration and abstraction.

Medium
watercolor on paper
Overall

Notes

A Ménage with George Platt Lynes, Rago Auctions, 2026-05-01. Lot 222. Signed and dated to lower right ‘David Oxtoby 1966’.

🔨 Auction Lot

A Ménage with George Platt Lynes

May 1, 2026

Estimate: $300$500

Lot 222

For Sale

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About this work

David Oxtoby, Mr. Upton, 1966

This watercolor on paper presents a solitary male figure in a three quarter view, dressed in a formal black coat with prominent button detailing and shoulder insignia suggesting military or ceremonial rank. The composition is starkly minimalist, with the figure rendered in bold black silhouette against a cream colored ground, while abstract blue gray geometric forms hover in the upper right, creating compositional tension. The work exemplifies the restrained figurative approach characteristic of 1960s modernism, where representational subject matter is tempered by graphic simplification and non naturalistic spatial treatment. The artist employs a limited palette and clean, decisive forms that reflect the period's engagement with both figuration and abstraction.

Medium
watercolor on paper
Dimensions
overall: 50.5 x 35.2 cm
Year
1966
Seen at
Rago Auctions, Lambertville, United States

Related themes

Watercolor, British Art, Formal Attire, Geometric Forms, Institutional Rank, Silhouette, Graphic Representation, Abstract Elements, Single Figure, Black And White, Color Field, Paper, Modernism, Military Dress, Standing Pose, Portrait, 1960s, Minimalist Style, Figurative, Male Figure