Provenance
The artist, New York; by descent to his estate; with Riva Yares Gallery, Santa Fe and Scottsdale, AZ, by July 2001 [Riva Yares Gallery 2001 and 2005]; sold to KN Gallery, Chicago, Oct. 7, 2006 [gallery invoice; copy in curatorial object file]; sold to Daniel N. Epstein and Sonja L. Reed (1939–2024; born Sonja Ragnhild Lorentzen; also Sonja Epstein), Chicago, Oct. 15, 2007 [gallery invoice; copy in curatorial object file]; given to the Art Institute of Chicago, 2024.
Accession Number
273417
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
106.6 × 91.5 cm (41 15/16 × 36 in.)
Classification
Painting
Credit Line
Gift of Daniel N. Epstein and Sonja L. Reed
Background & Context
Background Story
Milton Avery's Sunburned Couple (1943) is an oil on canvas depicting a couple at the beach or outdoors, perhaps sunburned from exposure. The figures are rendered with Avery's characteristic simplified forms and subtle colors. The subject of leisure and the seaside was a recurring theme in Avery's work. This painting captures a moment of relaxation and human connection.
Cultural Impact
Avery's beach scenes are among his most characteristic works, capturing the American leisure landscape with modernist simplicity.
Why It Matters
This painting of a sunburned couple captures a moment of relaxation with Avery's characteristic simplicity and warmth.
