Lot 664: Van Day Truex (American, 1904-1979) Avignon Signed and titled "... Truex" l.r., identif...

Van Day Truex (American, 1904-1979)

Avignon
Signed and titled "... Truex" l.r., identified on label from James Graham & Sons,
New York, on the reverse.
Pen and ink on paper, sight size 11 1/2 x 14 in. (29.2 x 35.6 cm), framed.
Condition: Foxing, not examined out of frame.

Provenance: From the collection of Louis Albert McMillen.
N.B. Van Day Truex was an influential 20th Century interior designer and tastemaker. He was not only an accomplished artist but a successful executive in his commercial and academic ventures. Truex had a long-time affiliation and allegiance to the Parsons School of Design-he was a student and instructor, but also served as an administrator. He was director of the Paris branch between 1930 to 1939, and president from 1942 to 1953. (1) Following his Paris post, Truex continued to live between New York and Provence, spending half of the year in each location.(2)
In his lifetime, Truex designed for such companies as Baccarat, Tiffany and Co., and Edward Fields. Regardless of the kind of decorative art, Truex believed in a balance between contemporary and classical design elements, observing that trends in fashion can be taken too far. "One needs to remain aloof, to recognize changes and influences, but to keep at the same time a certain objectivity." (3)

(1) Van D. Truex, Designer, 75. New York Times. April 25, 1979. pg. D23.
(2) Ibid.
(3) Van Truex: Designer and Catalyst. New York Times. November 16, 1978. Pg. C1.