Boyer Galleries, New York, presumably from the artist, c.1935-1938 ⁽¹⁾

Lawrence M.C. Smith, Washington DC, 8 June 1938 ⁽²⁾

To current owner, 1981

⁽¹⁾ C. Philip Boyer included Gorky’s work in exhibitions at the Philadelphia and New York locations of the Boyer Galleries in the mid to late 1930s.  Boyer appears to have represented the artist during this time although the exact nature of their relationship remains unknown.

⁽²⁾ Still Life was initially provided to Lawrence M.C. Smith as collateral by Boyer Galleries in 1938.  Mr. Smith ultimately purchased the painting on 7 April 1942.  

The date inscribed on the back of the canvas is consistent with Gorky’s transitional style of 1929-1930, which featured flattened space and solidly painted still life objects.  For related examples, see Jordan and Goldwater, nos. 73, 77, and 79.