Modern Architecture within the Art of Jeffrey Smart

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

As David Hockney, the Australian-born Jeffrey Smart is passionate about architecture.

The strange oil on canvas by Smart, 100 x 99 cm, that Sotheby's sells on August 24 in Melbourne is entitled "The Painted Factory, Tuscany." Painted in 1972, it dates from the year after the installation of the artist in Arezzo, where he still resides today.

A green Tuscan landscape is dominated by a cubic factory that we imagine made of concrete, with a smooth front decorated with abstract or stylized patterns in the style of Léger. A friend of the artist shows himself in the factory entrance, brandishing a painting that is a reducted replica of the complete artwork.

This painting is an ironic display of the modern world, a theme usually conducive to success. This justifies an estimate of 600 KA$, which should be an excellent result for this artist.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The result is excellent. Sold 870 KA$ including costs, it almost matches the high estimate, which was 800 KA$ excl.

Jeffrey Smart is coming out of anonymity. After this result, no doubt that other of his works shall attract fans.