Fairfield Porter (1907-1975), Portrait of Robert Dash

Fairfield Porter (1907-1975)
Portrait of Robert Dash
signed and dated 'Fairfield Porter '60' (lower right)--inscribed 'To Dash' (on the overlap)
oil on canvas
36 x 36 in. (91.4 x 91.4 cm.)
Painted in 1960.

Pre-Lot Text
Property from The Madoo Conservancy
The Madoo Conservancy in Sagaponack, New York, is dedicated to the study, preservation and enhancement of an enchanting, horticulturally diverse garden. Created by Robert Dash, this extraordinary American garden embodies Dash’s life spent as an avid gardener, writer and artist. He developed a strong interest in the Abstract Expressionists, particularly Willem De Kooning, while in college at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Following his studies, he spent a year living in Italy before returning to New York City to work for Arts and then Art News, while painting at night. Dash's first exhibition of paintings was held in 1960, and he was exhibited at some of the most prominent cultural institutions throughout the country. He was also a noted poet, and his poetry, manuscript and letter archives are held by the Beinecke Library of Yale University. Dash moved to his field near Sagg Pond and was, for half a century, at the very center of the creative geniuses who made their homes in Eastern Long Island. The Madoo Conservancy is a singular garden in the village (just before the graveyard--if you search for it) and today it is a unique living tribute to the artistic imagination of its founder. It is one of the great American small gardens of the late 20th century.
--Marc Porter, Chairman, Christie's Americas