Note on Art

Note on Art

A note from LeRoy Neiman's early career in Chicago.

This note from LeRoy Neiman provides some insight into Neiman’s early career in Chicago. The document, relaying a story about a certain Mrs. Frank McMahon buying two paintings from Neiman to an undisclosed recipient, explains that despite the his suggested frequent sales, he “[is] doing no commercial stuff [outside of]… Playboy which just isn’t [commercial].” Within the note, he also seems to connect the then small scale of his works (about 8" x 12") to their relative success. The record also mentions Oehlschlaeger, his Chicago gallerist; Neiman seems peeved by the forefeited commission of one-third. It is unclear what the overall tone of the note is (i.e. sincerity, humility, bashfullness, false humility), because the intended audience is unknown. The reverse features a commercial print of some sort attributed to Neiman.

LeRoy Neiman

LeRoy Neiman Foundation

LeRoy Neiman Foundation

c. 1950-62

LeRoy Neiman

Property of the LeRoy Neiman Foundation; please consult the organization's archivist for further details.

Notes

Image/jpeg

English

Document

LN_Notes_2049_01; LN_Notes_2049_02

New York (N.Y.) New York

a lady just across the park from you Mrs. Frank McMahon
834 Fifth Ave just bought 2 paintings from me. Very small. When I said how many paintings I’ve sold it must be considered that many are 8” x 12” and so on up in scale.
This woman are about 14” x 17” and cost just 175 each, which is more than I generally get for one that size because Oehlschlaeger takes his third out. Believe I told you before I’m doing no commercial stuff – just Playboy which isn’t.

Pencil on paper, with Neiman reproduction.