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Artist or Maker: Jean Paul Riopelle (1923-2002)

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Description: Terre Promise
signed and dated 'Riopelle 60' (lower right)
oil on canvas
84 x 96in. (213.3 x 243.8cm.)
Painted in 1960

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Provenance: Pierre Matisse Gallery, New York.

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Exhibited: New York, Pierre Matisse Gallery, Riopelle, Paintings, Pastels and Sculpture, April - May 1963, no. 14.
Québec, Musée du Québec, Riopelle, May - August 1967, no. 12 (illustrated p. 39).

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Notes: Although Frank H. and Nancy L. Porter were not born in Cleveland, their lives would become integrally linked with the city. Frank grew up in Cleveland Heights and both he and his wife experienced the deprivations of the Great Depression of the 1930s. After World War II Frank began to work for his father-in-law's company, Central Cadillac and within a short period of time, they transformed the business into the largest Cadillac dealership in Ohio. In conjunction with her husband's widening business interests Nancy became a "career volunteer" serving on the boards of thirteen different Cleveland organizations and charities. In the 1960s Frank's business interests expanded into real estate and over the next few years he was instrumental in the development of a number of important buildings in and around Cleveland, including Walter Gropius' landmark Tower East in Shaker Heights.

The ever widening horizons of the Porter's personal and professional interests in the 1960's led them to a fascination with modern art. The couple travelled extensively throughout Europe, and they had a very strong affinity towards European contemporary art. The walls of their homes and businesses were literally covered with pictures, some by famous artists, and other works by those who would later become famous.

The following selection of their works demonstrates the breadth of range and strongly European character of the collection.

The Porters were important figures in the cultural world of Cleveland. They were closely affiliated with the Cleveland Museum of Art, and were members of the International Council of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Their steadfast patronage of charitable causes was equally profound, and accordingly, the proceeds from the paintings in this sale will benefit the Cleveland Foundation.

PROPERTY BELONGING TO THE COLLECTION OF MR. AND MRS. FRANK H. PORTER TRUST ESTATE

This work will be included in the forthcoming third volume of Jean Paul Riopelle catalogue raisonné, 1960-1965, being prepared by Yseult Riopelle.

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.