Forward to Black by Stanley Whitney
This is a significant oil on canvas painting titled 'Forward to Black,' created by the renowned American abstract artist Stanley Whitney in 1996. The artwork measures approximately 184.2 x 215.9 cm (72.5 x 85 inches), showcasing Whitney's signature grid-based composition. The piece features loosely defined, stacked rectangles of vibrant, saturated colors including reds, blues, oranges, greens, and yellows, separated by thin horizontal bands of color. The brushwork is gestural and rhythmic, allowing for bleed and overlap between segments that create a sense of polyphonic movement. As a 1996 work, it represents a critical period in Whitney's career where his spatial system became more structured following his time in Rome and Egypt. The physical condition appears excellent based on auction records, with rich impasto and no visible signs of deterioration or repair. The craftsmanship is characterized by the artist's unique ability to balance color weight and light, creating a monumental visual experience that bridges the gap between American Color Field painting and European Modernism. This specific work achieved a remarkable sale price of $2,319,000 at Sotheby's in November 2021, far exceeding its original estimate and solidifying its status as a masterpiece of contemporary abstraction.
AI-Generated Appraisal Disclaimer
Estimated Value
$2,200,000 - $2,500,000
Basic Information
Category
Fine Art - Contemporary Abstract Painting
Appraised On
February 11, 2026
Estimated Value
$2,200,000 - $2,500,000
Item Description
This is a significant oil on canvas painting titled 'Forward to Black,' created by the renowned American abstract artist Stanley Whitney in 1996. The artwork measures approximately 184.2 x 215.9 cm (72.5 x 85 inches), showcasing Whitney's signature grid-based composition. The piece features loosely defined, stacked rectangles of vibrant, saturated colors including reds, blues, oranges, greens, and yellows, separated by thin horizontal bands of color. The brushwork is gestural and rhythmic, allowing for bleed and overlap between segments that create a sense of polyphonic movement. As a 1996 work, it represents a critical period in Whitney's career where his spatial system became more structured following his time in Rome and Egypt. The physical condition appears excellent based on auction records, with rich impasto and no visible signs of deterioration or repair. The craftsmanship is characterized by the artist's unique ability to balance color weight and light, creating a monumental visual experience that bridges the gap between American Color Field painting and European Modernism. This specific work achieved a remarkable sale price of $2,319,000 at Sotheby's in November 2021, far exceeding its original estimate and solidifying its status as a masterpiece of contemporary abstraction.
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