Grand Central Art Galleries, New York, circa 1927
Acquired by the present owner's grandfather from the above

Very good condition; under UV: 2-1/2 inch line of inpainting along bather's back with associated dots and dashes,small retouch in sky on left edgeof canvas, artist's pentimenti in left side of sky
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Edward Potthast began painting beach scenes relatively late in life, yet they have become his most celebrated works. His artistic legacy is "a tribute to the carefree atmosphere of the seashore: happy children rollicking about, splashing in the surf, young mothers with children in their arms or beside their breeze-blown skirts, gossiping or strolling the beach; and family groups, picnicking, sunning themselves or chatting merrily on the sand beside gaily colored beach umbrellas" (Arlene Jacobwitz, Edward Henry Potthast: 1857 to 1927, 1969).

Potthast was one of several artists to come from Cincinnati, counting among his colleagues John Henry Twachtman, Frank Duveneck, and Henry Farny. He studied in Europe at the Academié Julian, and eventually moved from Cincinnati to New York in 1892. He spent many summers traveling along the New England coastline, visiting the beaches of Monhegan and Ogunquit Islands in Maine, as well as 🍸Gloucester and Rockport in Massachusetts. When it wasn't possible to travel up the coast, Potthast wo💟uld take his paints and canvases to study the nearby crowds at Coney Island and Far Rockaway.

Pot꧒thast's beach scenes capture the carefree nature of a beautiful summer's day spent relaxing on the shore. In the present work, the colorful umbrellas and puffy clouds dominate the left side of the composition, while bathers wade in the distanct crashing surf. Loose brushwork and unusual colors lend the painting a modern vitality. Though a quiet and modest man, Potthast's beach scenes brought him great acclaim durಌing his lifetime, and have created a lasting legacy.