Lot 6: SVETOSLAV ROERICH

PORTRAIT OF KATHERINE CAMPBELL IN A GREEN DRESS, LATE 1920S

71 1/2 by 35 1/2 in. 181.5 by 90 cm

oil on canvas

Collection of Louis and Nettie Horch, New York (acquired directly from the artist)
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner, circa 1980

Katherine Campbell was a member of the Roerichs' circle, and she eventually became a trustee of the Roerich Museum in New York. Campbell was both outgoing and beautiful, and she dreamt of becoming a famous actress but was met with very little success. She frequently modeled for Svetoslav Roerich, and the two maintained a close lifelong relationship. In his portraits of Campbell, Svetoslav focused primarily on the design and texture of the clothing she wore as well as the decorative backgrounds positioned behind her.