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Lillian Orlowsky — Abstraction
Lillian Orlowsky

Abstraction

1940

This abstraction by Lillian Orlowsky demonstrates the artist's engagement with geometric and biomorphic forms characteristic of mid-twentieth-century American modernism. The composition features a striking red circular form resembling a head or mask, layered atop interlocking planes of muted greens, blues, browns, and whites that suggest a fragmented figure or interior space. The work exemplifies the Provincetown art community's embrace of abstraction while maintaining vestiges of representational imagery, with careful attention to color relationships and spatial ambiguity. Oil paint is applied with visible brushwork, creating textural variations across the canvas surface. The painting reflects the experimental spirit of Cape Cod's artistic circles during the mid-twentieth century.

Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions

🔨 Auction Lot

Provincetown Art Association & Museum Benefit Auction

May 16, 2026

Estimate: $1,500$2,000

Lot 52

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About this work

Lillian Orlowsky, Abstraction, 1940

This abstraction by Lillian Orlowsky demonstrates the artist's engagement with geometric and biomorphic forms characteristic of mid-twentieth-century American modernism. The composition features a striking red circular form resembling a head or mask, layered atop interlocking planes of muted greens, blues, browns, and whites that suggest a fragmented figure or interior space. The work exemplifies the Provincetown art community's embrace of abstraction while maintaining vestiges of representational imagery, with careful attention to color relationships and spatial ambiguity. Oil paint is applied with visible brushwork, creating textural variations across the canvas surface. The painting reflects the experimental spirit of Cape Cod's artistic circles during the mid-twentieth century.

Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
76.2 x 61 cm
Year
1940
Seen at
Eldred's, East Dennis, Massachusetts, United States

Related themes

Abstract Art, Modernist Painting, Avant Garde, Geometric Forms, Figurative Abstraction, Color Study, Layered Composition, Muted Palette, Spatial Ambiguity, Mid Century, Cubist Influence, American Modernism, Planar Structure, Oil On Canvas, Constructivist Style, Non Objective Art, Expressionist Color, Biomorphic Forms, Provincetown Artist, Cape Cod School

More works by Lillian Orlowsky