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Romare Bearden — Poor Thirsty Souls
Romare Bearden

Poor Thirsty Souls

This abstract composition features fragmented, overlapping geometric forms rendered in a vibrant palette of blues, magentas, ochres, and earth tones. The layered planes and angular shapes suggest human figures or architectural elements in dynamic interaction, characteristic of Cubist influenced modernism. Bold black outlines define the various compositional elements, creating a sense of movement and spatial complexity across the board surface. The work demonstrates masterful color harmony alongside structural tension, inviting multiple interpretations of its subject matter.

Medium
oil on board
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: $100,000 to $150,000

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About this work

Romare Bearden, Poor Thirsty Souls

This abstract composition features fragmented, overlapping geometric forms rendered in a vibrant palette of blues, magentas, ochres, and earth tones. The layered planes and angular shapes suggest human figures or architectural elements in dynamic interaction, characteristic of Cubist influenced modernism. Bold black outlines define the various compositional elements, creating a sense of movement and spatial complexity across the board surface. The work demonstrates masterful color harmony alongside structural tension, inviting multiple interpretations of its subject matter.

Medium
oil on board
Dimensions
overall: 50.5 x 60.6 cm
Seen at
Sotheby's, New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris

Related themes

Fragmented Figures, Mid Century Modern, Geometric Forms, Color Abstraction, Modernist Composition, Abstract Cubism, Oil On Board, Dynamic Abstraction

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