A long-lost portrait by renowned artist Arshile Gorky, depicting fellow artist Anna Walinska, has resurfaced in Rhode Island after decades of obscurity. The discovery of this significant artwork, which had eluded art experts and enthusiasts for years, is a testament to the power of digital catalogue raisonné and the determination of those involved in preserving artistic legacies.
The Search for Anna Walinska’s Portrait
Rosina Rubin, the founder of Atelier Anna Walinska, had long wondered about the whereabouts of Arshile Gorky’s 1937 portrait of her aunt, Anna Walinska. Despite Walinska’s association with New York City’s art scene and her role as a gallerist who gave Gorky his first show, the painting seemed lost to the world. Rubin even made it her profile picture on Instagram, hoping that someone might recognise it and provide leads. However, the search yielded no results, and hope began to fade.
Collaboration with the Arshile Gorky Foundation
In early 2020, Rubin joined forces with the Arshile Gorky Foundation, which was about to launch a digital catalogue raisonné for the artist. With the whereabouts of approximately 170 Gorky artworks still unknown, finding the portrait of Walinska became a priority. The foundation created an ad using a faded slide from Walinska’s records and circulated it at art fairs, hoping for any new leads that could aid in its rediscovery.
A Charming Surprise and Renewed Interest
Amid the pandemic, Rubin decided to keep the momentum going by creating an email newsletter focused on the portrait. This charming gesture caught the attention of art enthusiasts, including the author of this article, who contacted Rubin to learn more about the story. The subsequent article published by Hyperallergic brought renewed interest in Anna Walinska and her contributions to modernism. The search, however, continued with no immediate breakthroughs.
The Portrait’s Rediscovery
After over a year of silence, the owner of the painting, who chose to remain anonymous, contacted the Gorky Foundation a few months ago. The foundation’s director, Parker Field, promptly informed Rubin about the exciting development. The portrait had been quietly residing on the East Coast, belonging to a 94-year-old collector who had purchased it from a New York gallery in 1986. The collector’s neighbour recognised the portrait after reading the 2020 article and alerted her to its significance.
Unveiling the Portrait
Initially hesitant to come forward, the collector remained silent for over a year. However, with a desire to preserve the artwork’s legacy, she decided to share its existence with Rubin and the Gorky Foundation. In late May, Rubin and Field finally had the opportunity to see the long-lost portrait in person, ending years of uncertainty and anticipation.
The Meaning and Significance of the Portrait
The collector was drawn to the painting without much prior knowledge, simply expressing her love for it. However, after reading about Gorky’s relationship with Walinska, the portrait took on deeper meaning and significance. It revealed the connection between two artists, highlighting Walinska’s role as a gallerist and her own pursuit of painting. The collector expressed a sense of identification with Walinska’s courage and independence, recognising the shared time period during which they both lived and pursued their artistic passions.
Preserving and Expanding Gorky’s Legacy
The rediscovery of the Walinska portrait underscores the importance of preserving artistic legacies. Digital catalogues raisonné, like the one created by the Arshile Gorky Foundation, play a crucial role in facilitating the rediscovery of lost artworks. The catalogue has already led to the resurfacing of over 40 works by Gorky, including the painting of Walinska. However, there are still at least 141 Gorky paintings unaccounted for, emphasising the ongoing efforts to fill the gaps in Gorky’s oeuvre and gain a more comprehensive understanding of his work.
Conclusion
The reemergence of Arshile Gorky’s portrait of Anna Walinska in Rhode Island is a momentous event in the art world. This discovery highlights the power of collaboration, digital catalogues raisonné, and the perseverance of those dedicated to preserving artistic legacies. As more lost artworks resurface through digital platforms, the potential for further rediscoveries and a deeper appreciation of artists’ contributions continues to expand. The Walinska portrait serves as a testament to the enduring significance of art and the stories it can tell, even after years of obscurity.
Feature Image: Arshile Gorky’s rediscovered Portrait of Anna Walinska (ca. 1937), photographed in the anonymous collector’s home with Rosina Rubin, Walinska’s niece, (left) and Gorky Foundation director Parker Field. Courtesy: CULTURAL PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES. PRIVATE COLLECTION.
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