Attributed Sam Middleton (American, 1927-2015), Summer oil on canvas, signed and dated "Samuel Middleton 55" at upper right, inscribed "Summer" 1-15-55 / S. Middleton" to verso, presented in a later frame. Stretcher size 26 1/2 x 36 in.; Frame dimensions 33 1/2 x 43 1/4 in. While best known for his collages, Sam Middleton began painting in oils before traveling to Mexico in 1956 for further study. According to Hansje Kalff, the artist s widow, there are no photos of paintings he made in New York in the 1950s. She says his foray to collage was the result of a bet with friends that he would be able to make a painting without using brushes or paint. We wish to thank Hansje Kalff for her assistance in cataloguing this lot. Private Collection, Brooklyn, New York 品相报告: Patch to verso with associated retouch visible under UV light (over trash bin behind young girl jumping rope).