Bonsall Three Nudes w/ Flute, Oil on Board — New Orleans c.1950

Three nude figures occupy a charged, saturated landscape — one standing and playing a red flute, one standing in profile, one seated below looking up. The palette runs deep teal against vivid crimson, anchored by bold black outlines and a stylized tree at lower left: a composition working squarely in the Fauvist mode, closely aligned with Matisse's figurative work of the early twentieth century. Signed lower left in painted lettering: Bonsall. The work is an original oil on poster board dated to circa 1950 — an improvised support consistent with Bonsall's French Quarter studio practice — framed and matted behind glass. Nude figures and trees were recurring subjects throughout his career; this composition, with its muscular palette and deliberate formal arrangement, represents that thread at full intensity.

The painting carries documented exhibition provenance: it was shown at the inaugural opening of the Union Art Gallery, University of Illinois, in 2002, and is offered here directly from the artist's family estate.

Artist Biography

James Belton Bonsall (1926–1999) was an American painter associated with New Orleans, where he lived for many years, working in oils, watercolor, acrylic, and pastels across a range of contemporary styles. Born in Grand Chenier, Louisiana, he completed his fine arts studies at Louisiana State University following World War II service with the 99th Infantry Division under General Patton. He later worked in California in set design for theater and film before returning to New Orleans, where he spent decades in the French Quarter painting alongside careers in advertising and social work. He painted prolifically — more than 500 works are now accounted for — exhibiting regionally throughout his lifetime.

CONDITION

Good. Creased lower left; frame scuffed. Perhaps restoration lower right and upper right.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 32.25" × 26.25" × 1"
• Visible: 21.25" × 13.5"
• Medium: Original oil on poster board
• Presentation: Framed and matted behind glass
• Signed: Lower left, painted — Bonsall
• Artist: James Belton Bonsall (1926–1999)
• Origin: New Orleans, Louisiana
• Date: Circa 1950
• Provenance: Exhibited at the inaugural opening of the Union Art Gallery, University of Illinois, 2002; consigned directly from the artist's family estate
• Frame: Stepped red-stained wood molding with cream mat