Jane Smith Ninas Evans Sargent (American/Louisiana, 1913-2005) , "Geometric Composition", graphite

Jane Smith Ninas Evans Sargent (American/Louisiana, 1913-2005) , "Geometric Composition", graphite and charcoal on paper, signed lower left, 12 7/8 in. x 16 in., framed, overall 18 in. x 21 1/4 in. x 2 in. Note: While Jane Smith Ninas Evans Sargent’s story is often overshadowed by that of her two famous ex-husbands, painter Paul Ninas and photographer Walker Evans, she was an accomplished artist in her own right. A graduate of Newcomb College, Jane was associated with the Arts and Crafts Club of New Orleans, and she was active in the flourishing arts community of the French Quarter. In 1933, Jane married noted artist Paul Ninas, and the couple shared a studio where they engaged in a friendly rivalry. Two years later, Jane met famed photographer Walker Evans while he was on assignment in New Orleans. She became Evans’ assistant and guide on his project documenting architecture along River Road. While Evans photographed the grand plantation homes, Jane completed oil paintings and crayon drawings, finding interest rather in the mundane and humble, and her style was based on simplified geometric forms with a muted color palette.Jane later accepted a job with the Federal Art Project of the WPA and continued her friendship with Evans. In 1939, after a scandalous affair, Jane left Ninas for Evans. The couple married a year later and would remain together until she left him in 1955. Jane was a source of inspiration for Evans during their time together, and he created a series of beautiful and haunting photographic portraits of her. As both artist and muse, Jane’s influence on her husbands and their influence on her will always be an intriguing question of the interplay between three talented artists - tied together by love, scandal and art. Jane later married for a final time and moved to Connecticut where she continued producing artwork until her death.Ref.: “Walker Evans and Jane Ninas in New Orleans, 1935-1936.” The Historic New Orleans Collection Newsletter, Volume IX, Number 1. Winter 1991. www.hnoc.org. Accessed Mar. 7, 2023.
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