Going to the Fields by the Cezch artist Joža Uprka is estimated at $50,000-70,000 in Bonhams’ sale of 19th century European paintings in New York on November 20.
The subject – women in colourful hand embroidered costumes – is typical of the Art Nouveau-influenced studies of folk life in southern Moravia favoured by the artist who was an acquaintance of Alphonse Mucha.
The 2ft 8in x 4ft 4in (81 x 1.31m) oil on canvas is signed with a monogram and dated 05 lower left. It was a gift from the artist to his sister, from whom it was acquired c.1958 by the father of the vendor (who was given the painting by him in 1968). The estimate is $50,000-70,000.
