Notes

Alexis Preller studied under Mark Gertler at the Westminster School of Art in London in 1934, the year that Two Male Nudes was painted. This imposing and earnest painting is of particular significance as it is the first known painting by Preller of the male nude, a subject he was to revisit throughout his life. Preller clearly valued this study as it remained in his collection throughout his life, only being sold as part of his estate sale in 1978, following the death of the artist and his partner Guna Massyn in 1975.

Provenance

Volks Art Auctions, Pretoria, 3 March 1978, Paintings, Intaglios and Drawings by Alexis Preller, Estate Late Alexis Preller and Estate Late Guna Massyn, Lot 1. The catalogue entry for the auction states 'Inscribed on fold of canvas: Studio Painting, Mark Gertler corrections'.