Lot 176: Alice Thevin (d. 1937) New York City

Circa 1930s privately printed off-set lithograph by the artist Alice Thevin [died 1937). Approx. 9.5 x 12.5 in. This scene in New York City is called FIVE POINTS CORNERS. Alice Thevin, a French-born artist who divided her time between Europe and America. Her scenes were rendered in a loose, spontaneous style and exhibit her penchant for finding the picturesque in less obvious places, for example, a view of Washington Square focuses on a gnarled tree trunk rather than the famous arch, which becomes part of the background. Alice Thevin was born near Paris, France, and spent her childhood first in Paris and then in Le Havre, where she attended the convent of Sacre Coeur. After earning her degree, she returned to Paris where her circle of friends included artists and writers. She came to the United States with American friends she had met in Paris. For several years she lectured on art and literature in Boston, Philadelphia and New York. Falling ill, she returned to France to recuperate. After recovering, she realized her long cherished ambition to become a painter. She preferred plein air painting in oils and watercolors, interpreting the Swiss and French countryside, villages and street scenes. Wherever she traveled, she looked for interesting subjects and would delve into the history and background information of her subject. As she grew older, Thevin divided her time between Europe and the U.S. American freewheeling atmosphere appealed to her restless, modern spirit and stirred her imagination. She exhibited her work in Paris, New York and Boston, though the act of painting was more important to her than an exhibition career. At her death she left behind many portfolios filled with sketches of Paris and New York.

VG