IRMA RENE KOHN (KOEN), OIL ON CANVAS, VILLA

IRMA RENE KOHN (KOEN) (AMERICAN 1883-75) OIL ON CANVAS, 1919, H 25", W 30", VILLA AT TWILIGHT Signed lower left "Irma Kohn" and dated "19." Depicting a winding road and a figure outside a country estate. According to the research of Cynthia Empen Ph.D: this work is very likely entitled "Villa at Twilight" and was exhibited at the 4th Annual exhibition at the Gallery-on-the-Moors, East Gloucester, MA. January 29th to March 3rd 1920 it was exhibited, with five other works, at the Art Institute of Chicago where Kohn won the Englewood Woman's Prize. The painting is referenced in: American Art News, "Artists' Summer Colonies: Gloucester Mass." September 13, 1919] describes the painting: "To Irma Kohn's 'Villa at Twilight' the writer bowed for its refinement of feeling and atmosphere and its exquisite tone." This documents that "Villa at Twilight'' was painted by mid August 1919. Having a Closson’s Art Gallery, Cincinnati label on verso. The Closson's tag is likely due to Kohn's acquaintance with fellow artist Dixie Selden from Cincinnati, who also sold works through Closson's. Selden and Kohn knew each other from their 1914 travels with painter-teacher Henry Snell to England. We would like to thank Cynthia Empen Ph.D for her assistance in cataloguing this work. Provenance: Estate of George Palmer, Indian Village, MI. Frame size: H 31", W 36".
Dimensions: in
Condition Report: Signature is consistent with works executed prior to 1926 (After 1926, her works were signed Irma Rene Koen). Original canvas, stretcher, and (likely) frame. Appears to retain its original varnish. 1/2" tear in the canvas at the center-right. No evidence of overpainting when viewed under natural and UV light. Frame is as-is with losses to the gilt. *Note: there are discrepancies in art reference materials and databases regarding the life of Irma Kohn. The most thoroughly documented account of her work has been done by Cynthia Empen, Ph.D. who has determined that Kohn was born in Rock Island, IL on October 8, 1883 and died in Cuernavaca, Mexico on July 16, 1975. This item's title and description was updated on 8/23/21.