Lot 209: Helen Maria Turner (New York/New Orleans,

Helen Maria Turner (New York/New Orleans, 1858-1958), "Mexican Quarters, Cuernavaca", oil on canvas, signed lower left, c. 1930s, hand-written note from the artist reading "Mexican Quarters, Painted in Cuernavaca, Mexico - Banana Trees were handsome: Mexicans were always hanging around - the great tower of the Cathedral in the background was very beautiful, H.M. Turner" and Babcock Gallery, New York label en verso, 25 1/4 in. x 30 1/4 in., in period Newcomb-Macklin frame.

Provenance: Gift of the artist to her friend Lewis P. Skidmore, Director of the High Museum, Atlanta, Georgia. Painting descended to daughter Anne Skidmore who sold it in the 1990s to a private collector; Sotheby's, June 29, 2004 A miniature by Helen Turner of "Mrs. Lewis P. Skidmore" is in the Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.~ Note: In the 1930s, Helen Turner vacationed frequently in Cuernavaca, Mexico. This charming painting with the handwritten note by the artist reveals her appreciation for the area's culture, architecture and its people. Turner's characteristic textural brushwork and wonderful use of color are evident. To be included in Kaycee Benton's forthcoming catalogue raisonné on Helen Maria Turner.